McCoy to take on King George VI Chase
15-times champion jockey to replace Noel Fehily, who stepped down after injuring his left wrist last month
Kempton Champion jockey AP McCoy will attempt to steer Kauto Star to an historic fifth King George VI Chase at Kempton Sunday.
Trainer Paul Nicholls turned to the 15-time champion jockey and newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year after Noel Fehily ruled himself out because of fresh problems with the left wrist he injured last month.
Fehily had been due to stand in for sidelined Ruby Walsh, who rode Kauto Star to four King George wins.
He broke his leg last month.
McCoy confirmed last night he had been released from his commitment to ride Albertas Run by owner Trevor Hemmings. He was travel to Nicholls' Somerset stable for a first sit on Kauto Star and he said: "It has all been sorted out".
"I take no great pleasure from getting a ride after two other jockeys have been injured, nor in asking to be released from Albertas Run, on whom I have won three Grade One races," he said.
Understanding
"I thank Mr Hemmings for his understanding.
"It has been a difficult situation but when you are offered the ride on a four-time King George winner, it would be difficult to turn it down."
McCoy was the obvious choice for Nicholls and owner Clive Smith to turn to. His link-up with one of steeplechasing's all-time greats adds an extra dimension to the King George.
It gives the champion jockey a perfect opportunity to complete a remarkable year even by his standards following his first Grand National win on Don't Push It and overwhelming BBC poll victory.
Nicholls said: "Noel let me know at lunchtime but I half knew yesterday when I could see he was not comfortable".
"A fully fit Noel Fehily would not have got beaten at Kempton on Dark Lover on Tuesday and all credit to him for having the balls for saying ‘I can't do it'," he said. "He is devastated but it looks likes he has ligament damage."
