Geraghty fit for Kicking King date
Geraghty aggravated an old injury in a fall at Fairyhouse on Saturday which forced him to miss his rides in the Munster National meeting at Limerick on Sunday – costing him two winners.
But after a visit to orthopaedic surgeon Paddy Kenny, the leading rider was given the all-clear.
“It went good, I’ll be able to ride Kicking King on Thursday,” said Geraghty.
“Obviously it is still pretty sore, but its just bruising and I’ll just take it easy for a few days.”
Meanwhile, popular grey The Listener is being prepared for what will ideally be a better performance than last year in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on November 1.
The frequent Irish visitor unseated early on in the Grade One event before getting his campaign back on track by winning the John Durkan Chase and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.
Nick Mitchell accompanied The Listener on all of his jaunts in his former role as assistant to Robert Alner.
But having taken out his own license to train, owners Old Moss Farm decided to send the nine-year-old to his stable.
Mitchell confirmed Daryl Jacob will remain on board in the three-mile chase, in which he could well take on the great Kauto Star.
“It is the same starting point as he made last year for Robert and it seemed the right way to progress again,” said Mitchell.
“It is still raining over there, so that’s all good and the more rain they have over there, the better.
“I have just clipped him and he seems in great form.”
Thyne Again is expected to attempt longer distances this season – but will make his racecourse reappearance over two miles in the Harrmack Developments Fortria Chase at Navan on November 9.
Fourth to Tidal Bay in the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, Liam Burke’s chestnut had a fruitful novice campaign with victory in the Grade One Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup and the Nas Na Riogh Chase.
He was also second to Big Zeb in the Swordlestown Cup at Punchestown on his final start.
Burke said: “We hope to go to Navan for the Fortria and then look at the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown in December. He has plenty of toe – I think two and a half miles is his ideal trip but I might be keen to try him at three miles at some point.”
There was less positive news about Burke’s other stable star, last year’s Galway Plate winner Sir Frederick.
The trainer explained: “He had heat in a leg and won’t be running until next year.”
lTipperary’s meeting on Friday is subject to an 8am inspection tomorrow due to the threat of waterlogging.
Races on the sprint course have already been abandoned but the Limerick Junction Handicap will be divided to form a six-race card.
