Horse racing: Ruby Walsh handed plum ride

Ruby Walsh has been handed the plum ride on See More Business in next week's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The mount became available when regular partner Mick Fitzgerald was claimed to ride Marlborough in chasing's blue riband event.

Walsh had originally planned to ride Commanche Court for his father Ted in Thursday's race but due to the Government's decision to ban the movement of horses he was free for See More Business.

Paul Nicholls said: "The owners spoke about it last night and booked Ruby for the ride.

"Obviously, if anything happens to Marlborough Mick would be back on."

See More Business continues to please in his preparation for the Cheltenham showpiece.

Nicholls added: "He looked in fine order this morning and I couldn't be happier with him.

"We are geared to the Festival going ahead and the horses all appear to be in good form. At the moment I could see us having between 15 and 20 runners at the meeting."

The Ditcheat trainer also confirmed that Walsh will partner Fadalko in either the Cathcart Chase or the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

He said: "Ruby has ridden for us before and I am delighted he has been booked. He will come down and ride 'See More' over the coming weekend, and possibly stay until the meeting."