Glynn snaps up Fallon for Cheltenham ride

Kieren Fallon will have only his second ever ride in next month’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper on the Noel Glynn-trained Old McDonald.

The six-times champion jockey rode Jonjo O’Neill’s Refinement to finish fourth behind Missed That at the Cheltenham Festival in 2005 and will return to Prestbury Park on March 17.

Old McDonald opened his account at the third attempt at Ludlow in December and Glynn is delighted to have secured Fallon’s services.

“We are from the same parish in County Clare and Kieren was a neighbour of mine, so I decided to get him booked and I couldn’t have got much better,” said Glynn.

“This is a good horse and he won nicely at Ludlow last time.

“The time before he was second to Tavern Times at Fairyhouse and was maybe a bit unlucky.

“Tavern Times is one of the favourites for the Champion Bumper and I’d like to think we’ll be wherever he is.

“Whether it will be just in front of him or just behind him I don’t know, hopefully in front.

“I have 14 horses riding out at the moment and my only Cheltenham runner I’ve ever had was a horse that ran in the Triumph Hurdle years ago.

“This year I’ll hopefully have Old McDonald and Becauseicouldntsee, who will hopefully run in the four-miler (National Hunt Chase) on the same day.

“Hopefully it will be great day and as an owner and a trainer, Cheltenham is what you dream about.”