Geraghty stays loyal to Punjabi

Barry Geraghty has chosen to ride Punjabi in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson's stable jockey was aboard the gelding for his victory in the race 12 months ago and has stayed loyal despite having the option of partnering Zaynar.

The trainer confirmed riding plans for his three runners in the race, saying: "Binocular will be ridden by AP (McCoy), Barry (Geraghty) will ride Punjabi and Andrew Tinkler will now ride Zaynar.

"They are all very well and all three are pleasing me."

Geraghty admits the decision to side with Punjabi was not an easy one but his recent success at Kempton left the jockey suitably impressed.

Speaking on his blog on www.attheraces.com, Geraghty said: "After a lot of hard thinking, I'm going to stay loyal and ride Punjabi in the Champion Hurdle.

"It was not an easy decision to make because Zaynar is a very talented horse that any jockey would want to ride, but I couldn't get off the reigning Champion Hurdler when he's in such good form.

"He's a horse that's done it on the big stage and he knows what to expect on the big day.

"But more important still, he just gave me the most unbelievable feel at Kempton, when he really picked up impressively.

"I'm sure he is simply a spring horse and just comes to himself at this time of year, it was just a much better feel at Kempton to the one he gave me the time before at Haydock.

"My decision should not reflect at all on Zaynar as I'm sure he'll run a big race.

"It is a tribute to the team that Binocular is now back in the picture.

"I got the impression that Nicky was buzzing after he schooled last week.

"It's great that Nicky and the owners are letting Andrew Tinkler ride Zaynar in the Champion and I really am delighted about that because he deserves the chance on a well-fancied ride in a championship race.

"He gave him a terrific ride when they won at Ascot early in the season."