Apprentice jockey Ahmed Ajtebi has been released from the Home Office's Harwich immigration centre after being taken into custody on Thursday.

It has been reported that visa irregularities hastened the decision to order the 26-year-old's removal from the country.

Ajtebi, 26, has been attached to Newmarket handler Clive Brittain since last June and won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot aboard the David Nicholls-trained Regal Parade.

Brittain said: "He's been released and he is on his way back to Dubai.

"I think they made a huge mistake but I've spoken to him on Friday and he's happy and relaxed.

"Hopefully, when he sorts out all his paperwork he can come back and carry on - he's certainly welcome in my house any time."

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