Ad Hoc decision expected tomorrow

A final decision on who rides Ad Hoc in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup will not be made until at least tomorrow, it emerged today.

Jockey plans for the Paul Nicholls-trained runner remained unclear after Mick Fitzgerald today lost his appeal against a six-day riding ban which rules him out of Saturday`s big race at Newbury.

Fitzgerald would have switched to Ad Hoc after the withdrawal yesterday of Marlborough, also owned by Sir Robert Ogden, because of a trapped epiglottis.

Ogden`s racing manager Barry Simpson said today: 'I don`t want to comment on what the stewards decided but it`s disappointing for Mick. It`s the second consecutive year he has missed a ride in the Hennessy.'

Simpson revealed that the most likely choices for Ad Hoc were Ruby Walsh - if he is not claimed for the Ted Walsh-trained Commanche Court - or Tony Dobbin.

'I will be speaking to Sir Robert tomorrow morning and we won`t be making any decision about jockeys until after midday.

'We have got to weigh up the whole situation after talking to the jockeys` agents and finding out who`s available.

'I don`t know what Ruby is doing or Tony Dobbin, who has ridden the horse before, but they are the people we are considering,' he said.

Simpson also reported that Ad Hoc was in fine fettle for his tilt at the Hennessy.

'He`s fine. He has been brought along very slowly this season with probably this race in mind. We will have to take it from there.

'Montifault is extremely well handicapped. It`s going to be quite a big step up for Ad Hoc and he has got a big weight.

'We are pleased with what the horse has done so far this season in terms of work and we will see how we get on.

'Winning on Saturday is not the most important thing. We want to see what progress he has made through the summer and see whether he is a top-class horse or a handicapper.'

Ad Hoc was a 14-1 chance when ridden by Walsh to beat What`s Up Boys and Scotton Green by 19 lengths and 15 in the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown in April.