Denis Delight At Beef Call-Up

Denis O'Regan is relishing the prospect of linking up with Beef Or Salmon in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Michael Hourigan's 10-time Grade One victor finished second in this race for the past two years and will be ridden by O'Regan for the first time.

'I haven't sat on the horse before but it's an honour to be riding him,' said the jockey.

'He's been second in the Betfair Chase the past two years, he's a class act and I'm delighted to be riding him.

'Hopefully, all goes well with a bit of luck in running.'

Barry Geraghty is also excited about getting a first-time leg-up on Exotic Dancer.

The Irish ace has been booked for the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding as Tony McCoy has been claimed by owner JP McManus for Wichita Lineman at Ascot.

'For sure, I'm looking forward to riding Exotic Dancer. He's a class horse and naturally I'm hoping for a big run on Saturday,' said Geraghty.

'Everything was organised through my agent, so I haven't spoken to Jonjo or anybody yet. I haven't sat on Exotic Dancer and I wouldn't think that I will before Saturday.

'Haydock is a track that I like to ride. I won the Tommy Whittle Chase on Jonjo's big horse, Keen Leader, four years ago, and a novice chase for Nicky Henderson on Caracciola, so it has been a lucky enough place for me.'

There is also an enforced change on last year's winner Kauto Star with Sam Thomas deputising for the injured Ruby Walsh.

Kauto Star is 10-11 with totesport for a repeat success on Saturday.

The seven-strong line-up is completed by Arkle Trophy winner My Way De Solzen, Charlie Swan's Offshore Account, Gold Cup third Turpin Green and Charlie Hall Chase hero Ollie Magern.

The ground at Haydock is currently good to soft and clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright is anticipating little change before Saturday's meeting.

(C) PA Sport