Geraghty hoping for Star De Mohaison mount

Barry Geraghty is looking forward to renewing his association with Star De Mohaison in Friday’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The rider boasts a 100% record aboard Paul Nicholls’ seven-year-old, having ridden the horse at Fontwell before going on to take both the Royal & SunAlliance Chase and Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree in 2006.

Geraghty has not ridden Star De Mohaison since that Liverpool win but with regular rider Ruby Walsh aboard Kauto Star and stable second jockey Sam Thomas riding Denman at Cheltenham, the Irish pilot has picked up a useful spare mount.

“I sat on him on Friday morning at Wincanton, just did a piece there and he felt well. I would be hopeful he could run a big race,” said Geraghty.

“He jumps brilliantly so I suppose that’s his forte. He’s strengthened up an awful lot since I rode him last so I’d be hopeful of a good run.”

Geraghty was due to partner 2005 Gold Cup winner Kicking King for Tom Taaffe at Cheltenham, but the Irish contender was pulled out after an unsatisfactory work performance last week.

However, Geraghty remains hopeful of the 10-year-old returning to his best in time for some big end-of-season targets.

“He worked during the week and just didn’t sparkle,” he told At The Races.

“He gave me a good feel at Gowran on his first run back so he has some level of his old self there and I’d be hopeful he will come back to form before the end of the season.

“There’s plenty more days for him at Punchestown and Fairyhouse. It’s a pity he didn’t make the Gold Cup, he would have been a great ride.”

Star De Mohaison is a general 33-1 chance for Gold Cup glory.