Christy Roche confirmed yesterday that he would be continuing his association with the Aidan O'Brien stable for the remainder of the season and all of next year - but he will not be partnering O'Brien's horses outside Ireland. The 47-year-old had a meeting at Ballydoyle yesterday with both O'Brien and Coolmore boss John Magnier, who has an interest in most of the horses in the O'Brien yard.

"We cleared the air at the meeting and both Aidan and Mr Magnier were quite happy that I will continue to be their number one on the Irish scene, both for the rest of the year and next season as well," Roche said on arrival at Gowran Park yesterday evening.

"In effect it means I won't be riding abroad again for Aidan unless there is a rare occasion where he might not be able to get a top-class jockey," he added.

Desert King, who is expected to run in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York next Tuesday, was yesterday among 11 acceptors for next Sunday's Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville.