Beef jockey still undecided

A decision as to who rides crack Irish chaser Beef Or Salmon in Sunday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup is expected in the next 48 hours.

Timmy Murphy has teamed up with Michael Hourigan’s stable star for the last two seasons, including when successful in this race two years ago.

However, when Murphy was unavailable to partner Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase over the course and distance in December he was replaced by Paul Carberry, who steered the Joe Craig-owned nine-year-old to victory.

“We’ll possibly have a decision on who rides him tomorrow or the day after. I’m leaving that one to the owners. I’m not getting involved in that one,” said Hourigan today.

The County Limerick trainer reported his stable star to be in good order ahead of the Leopardstown showpiece, for which Beef Or Salmon was among seven horses left in at today’s confirmation stage.

“He’s very well and he worked this morning. I’ll pop him over a hurdle on Friday,” said Hourigan.

“I hope they all stand their ground as we want a proper race.”

Heading the challenge is Willie Mullins’ Rule Supreme, who was disputing second place with Best Mate when falling at the final fence in the Lexus.

Edward O’Grady’s Pizarro, who was left to take third spot in the Lexus, Cloudy Bays, Hersov and Jack High complete the home contingent.

Noel Chance’s Murphy’s Cardinal is the only British representative after both Strong Flow, trained by Paul Nicholls, and Chives, from Sue Smith’s stable, were taken out today.

The other withdrawal was the Jim Dreaper-trained Doodle Addle.