Jockey Peslier splits with Wildenstein

Olivier Peslier has split with owner Daniel Wildenstein in order retain his position as first-string rider for trainer Andre Fabre.

The decision by France's champion jockey was reached after an agreement with Wildenstein, to whom he was under contract. The move became necessary when Fabre gave Peslier an ultimatum, forcing the jockey to choose between Wildenstein and himself.

That ultimatum was the fallout of an acrimonious split between Fabre and Wildenstein, who removed all 42 of his horses from Fabre's stable last week.

Wildenstein is expected to sign three-time French champion rider Dominique Boeuf as Peslier's replacement.

*The Aga Khan's Darshaan, one of Ireland's leading stallions, died Monday at the age of 20.

The 1984 French Derby winner was euthanized at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud after a recurrence of intestinal problems for which he had been operated on last year.

A British-bred son of Shirley Heights, Darshaan is the sire of champions Kotashaan and Mark of Esteem, as well as Dilshaan, one of the favorites for this year's Epsom Derby. Darshaan covered 65 of the 75 mares he was scheduled to meet this year before suffering his fatal relapse.