Carberry On Stand-By

Paul Carberry has been put on stand-by to partner Kingscliff in the Stan James King George VI Chase if Robert Walford fails in his race to be fit for the Boxing Day showpiece.

Walford suffered a hairline fracture of his left collarbone in a schooling accident at Robert Alner´s Dorset stable last Thursday.

However, he did ride out for the trainer today, suggesting he could still be fit for Sandown.

'Robert rode out this morning but I would only say he was still 50-50,' said Alner.

'He didn´t ride Kingscliff, I did, but he did a canter on the all-weather for me.

'He´s a very sensible lad and there´s no way he would ride the horse if he didn´t feel 100% right.

'We have approached Paul Carberry with a view to using him as a Plan B but he´s also got Harchibald to think about and he´s not even 100% certain he will be riding at Sandown.'

(C) PA Sport