Dobbin hopes to be fit for Cheltenham

Tony Dobbin was forced to give up his rides at Huntingdon today because of a bruised right thigh.

But the rider is hoping he will be back in action tomorrow at Cheltenham and revealed that he is to team up with champion trainer Martin Pipe for the first time in Saturday`s Tripleprint Gold Cup.

Dobbin was kicked when Behavingbadly lived up to his name and lashed out as he was being unsaddled by the jockey after they had won the Dixon`s & Bradbury Novices` Chase at Hexham yesterday.

After being examined by the doctor he had hoped to ride at Huntingdon, but he said today: 'I was lucky enough I suppose, it could have been a lot worse, but the thigh was still stiff and sore this morning.

'I have had some physiotherapy and things are a lot better now and I will be all right for Cheltenham, thank goodness, as I have some good rides there.'

Dobbin was taking his score for the season to 61 at Hexham, and he went on: 'Tomorrow I ride Direct Access for Lenny Lungo in the Ian Williams Owners` Novices` Chase.

'It is his stiffest task yet but he has done all we have asked of him so we will see.

'I ride Smarty for Mark Pitman in the George Stevens Chase and Les Eyre`s Benbyas in the C.F.Roberts plc Handicap Hurdle.'

He added: 'Then on Saturday I ride Upgrade for Mr Pipe in the Tripleprint Gold Cup. It is my first ride for him and I am looking forward to it.

'I think The Bajan Bandit runs in the Tripleprint Novices` Hurdle and Barton goes for the Tripleprint Novice Chase so those are three lovely rides to have too.'