Fitz gets plum ride on Kicks

Paul Nicholls has snapped up Mick Fitzgerald to ride his unbeaten Kicks For Free in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Liam Heard had been booked for the ride but has lost the mount aboard the five-year-old, who is a best-priced 7-1, to his more experienced weighing-room colleague.

“Mick Fitzgerald takes over on Kicks For Free in the Bumper,” Nicholls told Teletext.

“Liam Heard was going to ride but he knew that if one of the top boys, who have a bit more experience, became available then they would ride him.

“Liam can’t use his claim in the race and if there is someone available with the experience of Fitzy then you wouldn’t knock them back.”