Jockeys line up for top job
AIDAN COLEMAN could be given the keys to the crown jewels – as No 1 rider for JP McManus.
It follows Barry Geraghty’s decision to quit the saddle on Saturday.
Punters have plunged on Coleman, 31, who would be a logical choice as he has partnered more winners for McManus, apart from Geraghty, in the last five seasons.
The former champion conditional jockey is 11-10 with Ladbrokes and Coral to get the plum job in the green and gold hoops.
Mark Walsh still tops the betting with Paddy Power at 4-6. Walsh may lack Coleman’s winning tally for McManus but he has already feasted at the top table.
The 34-year-old won the 2019 Champion Hurdle on Espoir D’Allen in the famous silks.
As McManus’s number one in Ireland he rides for an owner who is loyal to those that have rewarded him.
Walsh, an infrequent visitor to England, would not take much tempting to ride the McManus horses with Nicky Henderson. Last season Henderson gave McManus a ninth Champion Hurdle victory with Epatante and this season hopes to repeat that success. He also has a live Cheltenham Gold Cup contender in McManus’ Champ.
Like Geraghty, appointed to the job when he was 35, Walsh has maturity on his side.
That will count against another possible contender for the job – 22-year-old Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
The talented youngster, the son of ex-champion rider Jonjo, is 3-1 with Ladbrokes.
O’Neill partnered Early Doors to victory for McManus at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.
Current champion jockey Brian Hughes is 33-1 with Ladbrokes and Coral but is no wild card. He has an cast-iron temperament.