Barry Geraghty to decide on his William Hill King George VI Chase mount
Trainer, Nicky Henderson has left it to Barry Geraghty to decide on his William Hill King George VI Chase mount, saying that the jockey has to make a choice sooner than later.
Henderson is intended to go for the Boxing Day showpiece at Kempton, with three high-quality runners. Long Run, who is due to be ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen, is all set to go alongside Ryanair Chase victor, Riverside Theatre, and Queen Mother Champion Chase
champion, Finian's Rainbow.
In this situation, Barry Geraghty has the choice of the latter two. Henderson wants the rider to make a decision soon, because he will have to make alternative arrangement for either Riverside Theatre or Finian's Rainbow.
"Riverside worked at Kempton on Monday and went very well with Darlan and Grandouet, who comes out this weekend. Darlan will probably wait for the Christmas Hurdle," Henderson told At The Races.
He added: "We've always planned to send Riverside straight to the King George as he goes so well fresh, he's won first time out every time. Finian's Rainbow will also join the party and Long Run seems very well in himself now."
"I would have to leave the decision on jockeys to Barry. We'll have to discuss it sooner rather than later as we'll have to make alternative plans."
It is going to be a tough decision to make for Geraghty, as both Riverside Theatre and Finian's Rainbow are capable of taking him to the glory. The latter of two made his comeback in mid November, when failing to make an impact at Royal Ascot.
Nevertheless, one cannot take anything away from the 9-year-old. Ahead of going on vacations, the son of Tiraaz secured two Grade Ones in good style.
Riverside Theatre also has some big titles to his name. On his last start ahead of the seasonal break, the 8-year-old pulled up. But prior to that, he won three races on the trot.
After securing a couple of Grade Ones at Royal Ascot in February, the son of King’s Theatre went to Cheltenham, where he crushed the opponents in the Grade 1, Ryanair Chase in March 2012.
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