McCoy confirmed for Champs

It has been confirmed that Tony McCoy will take the spare ride aboard Sir Des Champs in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The ride aboard Willie Mullins' Hennessy Gold Cup winner became available on Thursday when regular rider Davy Russell was stood down for the week with a punctured lung.

McCoy had been due to ride Sunnyhillboy in the Blue Riband event at Prestbury Park but Jonjo O'Neill's charge was ruled out on the morning of the race following a dirty scope, freeing up McCoy to take the ride.

The Champion Jockey is still searching for his first winner at the Festival but now has two leading claims on the final day with At Fishers Cross favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.