Geraghty booked for Leader's Gold bid
Jonjo O’Neill has put an end to speculation on who will partner Keen Leader in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The master of Jackdaws Castle confirmed that Adair Catherwood’s eight-year-old, winner of Haydock’s Grade Two Tommy Whittle Chase in December, would be ridden by Irishman Barry Geraghty.
O’Neill said: “It has been decided that Barry Geraghty will ride Keen Leader in the Gold Cup, end of story. There is nothing to say on the matter except plans have now been finalised.”
Geraghty has ridden the Supreme Leader gelding just once in his 13-start career, that coming on his penultimate start in the Tommy Whittle when the pair beat Truckers Tavern by 17 lengths.
Though he did not wish to elaborate, the decision was a “very difficult one” for the owner, said O’Neill, who has used the services of stable jockey Liam Cooper in 11 of his starts, including his latest run when a staying-on third to Shooting Light under top weight in Newbury’s Aon Chase.
Keen Leader is currently fourth favourite at 12-1 with William Hill for the March 18 showpiece.
