Ahead of every big race there is always a flurry of activity surrounding jockey bookings and this Sunday’s feature Grade 1 William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is proving no exception, writes Elliot Slater.
Noel Fehily, who was expected to ride hot favourite Kauto Star due to the continued absence of the 10-year-old’s regular pilot Ruby Walsh, (sidelined since early November with a broken leg), shocked the racing community on Wednesday by standing himself down from the ride, explaining that his damaged wrist hasn’t sufficiently recovered for him to be sure he could offer maximum assistance from the saddle.
Fehily’s absence has opened the door for 15-time champion jockey and recently voted ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’ Tony McCoy, to come in for one of the best ‘spare’ rides of his illustrious career. McCoy had actually been booked to partner Jonjo O’Neill’s Albertas Run, but has been released from that commitment, allowing him to step into the spotlight as Kauto Star bids to land a historic fifth successive King George VI Chase.
Those assessing the cheltenham odds have acknowledge the fact that Irish challenger Forpadydeplasterer, runner-up on each of his last seven outings, (many in Grade 1 company), is set to step up to three miles for the first time in his career and the Tom Cooper-trained gelding will now have the assistance of the fully fit Robert Thornton, after his regular pilot Barry Geraghty was claimed by his ‘guv’nor’ Nicky Henderson for Riverside Theatre. Paddy Brennan has been confirmed aboard Nacarat, a horse who has enjoyed a number of high profile performances at the Sunbury track, including winning the 2009 Racing Post Trophy and finishing fourth to Kauto Star in the ‘King George’ 12 months ago.
As expected, Richard Johnson will continue his winning association with Philip Hobbs’ Planet of Sound, but riders for the remaining runners will not be confirmed until the final declaration stage.
There is also expected to be plenty of turnaround before the cheltenham gold cup 2011 in March!
