Golden chance for Murtagh

Derby-winning jockey Johnny Murtagh is set to have his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival after it was confirmed Golden Cross is to be trained for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March.

After pleasing connections with his effort when third behind Brave Inca in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle, Mick Halford’s charge will try three miles for the first time at Navan next month on the way to a tilt at the Festival stayers’ crown.