McCoy to ride Forpadydeplasterer

TONY McCOY has been confirmed as Forpadydeplasterer’s jockey in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on March 17.

Barry Geraghty partnered Tom Cooper’s charge to glory in the Arkle 12 months ago and despite being on board in a gallop after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday, he has informed Cooper he will be unavailable at the Festival.

Geraghty’s mount now rests between the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb and Nicky Henderson’s Petit Robin, with the latter handler having first call on his services.