Top Australian rider jockey Danny Nikolic is set for an early return to Sydney after having his riding contract terminated in Mauritius.

The Guy Fok stable terminated Nikolic's contract today after receiving a report of an incident between the jockey and Mauritius Turf Club stewards.

Nikolic, who had ridden five winners in Mauritius since taking up a contract with the Fok stable in April, was reported to have been involved in a confrontation with the stewards on Tuesday morning.

Budheswar Gujadhur, trainer for the Fok stable, was told of the incident that occurred in the stewards room.

“We have been called by the Racing Stewards after an incident in the stewards' room during which Danny Nikolic showed disrespect towards the Racing Stewards,” Gujadhur said in a report on the Mauritius Turf Club website.

“Following this meeting, we have decided to terminate Danny Nikolic's contract.

“There are things that we can't accept.”

The Fok stable acted quickly to replace Nikolic with Gujadhur announcing that he had contacted South African jockey François Herholdt to fill the position as his stable jockey.

Herholdt confirmed that he had accepted an offer to replace Nikolic.

“I have accepted the contract offered to me. I won't be able to come this week as I have at least fourteen rides in South Africa these coming days,” Herholdt reported.

“I will be back in Mauritius next week for the 15th meeting.”

It is unlikely Nikolic, who had been contracted by the Fok stable until September, will stay in Mauritius without a stable retainer.