COLEMAN’S MUSTARD

AIDAN COLEMAN could be given the keys to the crown jewels – as No 1 jockey 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 although Mark Walsh still tops the betting with Paddy Power at 4-6. Walsh may lack Coleman’s winning tally for the owner who dominates jump racing but he has already feasted at the top table. The 34-yearold won the 2019 Champion Hurdle on Espoir D’allen in the Mcmanus silks.

He knows what is required riding as Mcmanus’s number one in Ireland and the owner 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 the trainer gave Mcmanus ninth Champion Hurdle victory with Epatante and this season he will be hoping Epatante repeats that success.

He also has Champ – a live Cheltenham Gold Cup contender for Mcmanus.

Like Geraghty, appointed to the job when he was 35, Walsh has maturity on his

aside. That will count against another contender, 22-yearold Jonjo O’neill Jr.

The talented youngster, the son of ex-champion rider Jonjo, is 3-1 with Ladbrokes to land the job.

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 wildcard. He has the maturity at 34 and the iron temperament that is required. Mcmanus’ horses are not only competing at the top level but often carry a welter of cash on their backs when the owner has a bet.

One of the aspects of Mcmanus’s success is surrounding himself with the right people and whoever he appoints is likely to be more than up to the task.