Fitzgerald likely to ride Spirit Leader in Bula Hurdle. Trainer Jessica Harrington has reported that Mick Fitzgerald is likely to ride Spirit Leader for her in the Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.Regular rider Norman Williamson has retired and Harrington also explained 'Barry Geraghty has said he is going to stick with Back In Front this season, so we decided to look for someone else in case Spirit Leader proves good enough to go the Champion Hurdle route.'Fitzgerald rode the mare in a workout at Punchestown racecourse yesterday and later stated 'She worked well and I liked her. She´s fit and well. I will have to wait and see whether Geos goes for the Bula, but otherwise I would look forward to riding Spirit Leader on Saturday.'Spirit Leader landed three valuable handicap hurdles last season, the most prestigious of which was the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.
