Edward Hide's hugely-impressive career score of 2,593 winners, which puts him in eighth place in the all-time list of most wins by flat jockeys in Great Britain, is under threat.

The achievement by the long-since retired former Cock O'the North, the king of Ryedale, has been targetted by George Duffield as his one remaining ambition before he finally hangs up his boots.

Fast approaching his 57th birthday, which makes him the most senior rider in Britain, Duffield has no plans to retire just yet. He has, however, made the decision to step down next season as number one jockey to Sir Mark Prescott, handing the job to Seb Sanders. George, however, will slip into the second-string role, mainly in the north, as he goes in pursuit of Hide's record.

He said: "I've got about 65 winners to go to catch Edward, which is a fair amount to find. But I do think it's achieveable - if I didn't, I wouldn't even consider it.

"It's not just about figures. Edward was the most successful-ever jockey in Britain never to have been champion, and if I can get past him, it would be an achievement to be proud of, and a big feather in my cap."

Duffield and Newmarket-based Prescott have been an item for some 30 years, and will continue their association, only in a slightly lower profile.

"Sir Mark has kindly allowed me to stay on riding as his second jockey, which is great. We have been together for so long, I would like to finish my career with him, and his wonderful owners, who have been so loyal to me.

"The only reason I gave up the main job was because of the travelling," explained Duffield, who lives with his second wife, Ann, a trainer, near Middleham in North Yorkshire. "Twice a week, I get up at 3am to go down to Newmarket to ride work for Sir Mark. I've been up here six years now and it's just got too much. But I still feel fit and well, I still enjoy my riding, and I'm still hungry for winners, which is why I've targetted Edward's record as my one remaining ambition."

Updated: 11:44 Wednesday, November 12, 2003