McCoy to ride Plasterer

Tony McCoy has been confirmed as Forpadydeplasterer's jockey in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on March 17th.

Barry Geraghty partnered Tom Cooper's charge to glory in the Arkle 12 months ago and despite being on board in a gallop after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday, he has informed Cooper he will be unavailable at the Festival.

Geraghty's mount now rests between the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb and Nicky Henderson's Petit Robin, with the latter handler having first call on his services.

Cooper was delighted with Forpadydeplasterer's exercise and moved quickly to snap up the services of the champion jockey.

"Barry has told me he won't be riding so we've booked Tony McCoy," said Cooper.

"I was delighted with how he jumped yesterday, he put in some mighty leaps so he must be feeling well in himself.

"Also he won't have been mad about that ground as everybody knows and by the looks of it, it should be a lot better ground at Cheltenham.

"We'll take him away for one more bit of work somewhere early next week."

However, Colm Murphy was unable to confirm whether or not Geraghty would be on Big Zeb.

"I was talking to Barry on Saturday and he just needs to talk to Mr Henderson and his owners," said Murphy.

Big Zeb was last seen putting his Tingle Creek disappointment well behind him with a confidence-boosting success in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown.

"He's very well at the moment," added Murphy.

"We'll keep ticking away with him and probably take him away for a gallop somewhere before we head over.

"Voler La Vedette is also in good form and they'll be the only two I'll take over this year."

Big Zeb can be backed at 8-1 in the Queen Mother while Forpadydeplasterer is as big as 16-1 with William Hill.