Scholfield handed plum Dulcote ride

In the continued absence of stable jockey Ruby Walsh, champion trainer Paul Nicholls has turned to Nick Scholfield to partner ante-post favourite Pride of Dulcote in the valuable Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday. The whole of horse racing Ireland will be interested to watch, writes Elliot Slater.

The ride on the talented but fragile chaser hands Scholfield the biggest chance of his career to make a name for himself at the top level in a race that Nicholls won two years ago with the classy Neptune Collonges, who made a great return to the winners enclosure at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Pride of Dulcote is likely to be joined by fellow British raiders Money Trix, trained by Nicky Richards, and the veteran The Listener, all of whom will have to work hard to repel a strong home challenge from the likes of last year’s winner Joncol, the talented Cooldine, and China Rock, amongst others. Pride of Dulcote re-emerged onto the chasing after an absence of 14 months to beat the smart Punchestowns in a close finish at Newbury in December, when partnered by Scholfield. The young rider was also successful the only other time he has ridden the horse when winning a novice hurdle on him at Wincanton on Boxing Day 2008 so you may see him in Irish racing tips.

Nicholls, without Ruby Walsh since his stable jockey took a crashing fall at Down Royal in early November and broke his leg, has used a variety of jockeys since. Initially, Noel Fehily took over in the hot seat and did very well until seriously damaging his wrist. He remains sidelined indefinitely. Champion jockey Tony McCoy has come in for a number of high profile rides (notably Kauto Star in the ‘King George’, whilst Scholfield, Ian Popham and Harry Skelton have all gained valuable experience partnering some of the better Ditcheat horses.

Pride of Dulcote is the 2/1 favourite to land the ‘Irish Hennessy’, Joncol is offered at 11/4, Cooldine 13/2, Money Trix 7/1, and it’s 8/1 bar.