Johnson to take Diamond mount

Richard Johnson is set to take the ride on Carte Diamond in Friday’s JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Trainer Brian Ellison was hoping Tony McCoy would be available to take the ride but he is likely to be claimed by boss JP McManus who still has Majlis and Amarula Ridge in the race.

“Richard Johnson will be riding. He hasn’t been up to sit on the horse but we’ve booked him and he will do a good job,” Ellison confirmed.

“Tony McCoy was going to take the ride but it looks like Mr McManus will be running one of his so he will be riding that.”

Carte Diamond is 7-1 with both Ladbrokes and William Hill for the Triumph after winning two of his three starts over hurdles.

The Theatrical colt, who was trained by Mark Johnston on the Flat, was last seen when easily accounting for Credit at Musselburgh.

Carte Diamond has since pleased Ellison in a racecourse gallop and the Malton trainer has high hopes for his charge.

“The horse is bouncing at the moment, he’s in great form. If I’m going to have a winner at the Festival, it will be him,” he added.

“He really impressed me working at Southwell last week and he’s been schooling well, jumping quickly and accurately and he should like the ground.”