Belgian born rider Christophe Soumillon has been ruled out to replace Johnny Murtagh after signing with the Wildenstein family in France, leaving the possibility of a return by Jamie Spencer.

It is rumored this week that Spencer will be the new jockey on the block at Coolmore.

Spencer is no stranger to Coolmore and has worked with trainer Aidan O'Brien before but they parted company in 2005 after just one season.

At the moment Colm O'Donoghue is the 2-1 favorite for the position but Spencer is the dark horse .

William Hill bookmaker's spokesperson, Tony Kenny said, "The hallowed halls of Ballydoyle are battened down again without a sniff as to who is going to land the coveted job.

"Colm O'Donoghue - now favourite by default following the ruling out of Soumillon - is the likeliest appointment.

"But it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Ballydoyle instead choose to use the best jockey available, which could lead to a lot of jostling among the upper ranks.'