Fehily targets Festival return
The jockey ruled himself out of the ride aboard Kauto Star in the William Hill King George VI Chase after aggravating an old injury and it now needs to be wired.
“I’m having an operation on Wednesday morning,’’ said Fehily.
“The ligament is ruptured and it needs to be wired, as far as I’ve been told, and I just need to give it time to heal. It will be six to eight weeks I’d imagine.
“They haven’t told me when I can expect to be back riding. I’ll have a better idea on Wednesday, but I’d imagine it will be six to eight weeks minimum.
“It would be nice to think I’d be back for Cheltenham.’’
Meanwhile Paul Nicholls does not anticipate any problems with keeping Kauto Star fired up for the rearranged King George VI Chase next month.
The Grade One showpiece has been set for January 15 after both days of Kempton’s Christmas meeting were abandoned because of a frozen track.
Kauto Star is bidding to win the race for an unprecedented fifth time and Nicholls believes the decision to reschedule will not cause his star any problems.
“He’s only had one race this season and if we lose a couple of days racing over this it’s no problem; he’ll be fine. We can’t do anything about the weather,” Nicholls told Racing UK. “He’ll get another chance I’m sure Clifford (Baker) rides him at home everyday and says he’s as good as he’s ever been.”
