McLernon lands plum ride on It Came To Pass

Eugene O'Sullivan has confirmed that Richie McLernon will partner It Came To Pass in his bid to retain the St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase at Cheltenham.

The trainer's daughter Maxine partnered It Came To Pass to a thrilling 10-length success at 66/1 in last year's renewal.

However, amateur jockeys are not permitted to ride at this year's festival due to Covid-19 restrictions.

O'Sullivan said: "He's in good form, never better. Richie McLernon will ride him. He started with me, he's a family friend and he's a neighbour.

“He was good enough to ride for me at Cheltenham when I had Trevor Hemmings' horse there [Arctic Times sixth in the Foxhunter of 2007], and he's definitely good enough to ride this fella.”

McLernon is based with Jonjo O'Neill in Britain.

Last year's runner-up Billaway heads the ante-post market for the hunters' chase at Cheltenham with It Came To Pass a top-priced 10/1.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson