It has been a major talking point in the racing world ever since the news broke that JP McManus’ retained rider Barry Geraghty would miss the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a collapsed lung and six broken ribs from a fall aboard Charli Parcs at Kempton last Saturday, and it seems a decision over who will ride 7/2 Champion Hurdle favourite Yanworth is edging ever closer.
With Noel Fehily announced as the rider of Buveur D’Air, Alan King is still seeking a jockey to ride his charge who runs in the famous green and gold silks of McManus.
The seven-year-old son of Norse Dancer initially started the season as a Stayers Hurdle possibility but the emergence of McManus’ star staying hurdler Unowhatimeanharry led connections to change tact and focus on the Champion Hurdle over two-miles, a race King won in 2008 with Katchit.
However, the Barbury Castle handler is still yet to announce a jockey for his charge. Here is a look at the leading contenders.
