JT to ride leading National Hunt hope Teaforthree

John Thomas McNamara will partner leading Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase hope Teaforthree in next Wednesday's contest at Cheltenham.

McNamara is three times a winner at the Cheltenham Festival and again appears to hold leading claims in the four-mile contest for amateurs.

Trainer Rebecca Curtis said: "JT's never ridden for me before, but he's a very good jockey and is very experienced around Cheltenham.

"I'm sure he'll be looking forward to it."

Despite having been pulled up in the Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day, Teaforthree has won two of his last three races in the style of a hardy stayer.

Newport-based Curtis added: "He's in great form and is very well at home.

"AP (McCoy) looked after him very well at Chepstow last time and didn't give him too hard a race, what with Cheltenham in mind.

"The four-miler looks an ideal race for him as we think he stays that trip very well."