Swan Enters The Frame For Inca Ride

Charlie Swan last night emerged as a candidate to make a shock return to the saddle on Brave Inca in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle in two weeks' time.

County Wexford handler Colm Murphy is anxiously waiting on the availability of Tony McCoy, with the strong possibility he will be required to ride Straw Bear for his boss, JP McManus.

McCoy has been the tough nine-year-old's regular partner in recent seasons and famously won the blue riband on him 12 months ago, while Ruby Walsh stepped in to partner the gelding to success in the December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Walsh, however, could be needed for the Paul Nicholls-trained Desert Quest.

'There's nothing been decided. I'm not sure what ?AP' (McCoy) is doing yet, I'm not sure what anyone is doing yet,' Murphy said.

'I don't know what is happening. I'll wait until the middle of next week before we start panicking. Everyone is a little bit tight-lipped at the moment and I don't think ?AP' knows what he is doing yet.

'As soon as we know he can't ride him, we'll start looking elsewhere.'

Asked if Swan could take the ride, he said: 'I wouldn't rule it in or out. We'll see what happens. It's an option.'

Swan, now a successful trainer, will be forever remembered for his exploits on the great Istabraq, winner of the Champion in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

(C) PA Sport