Barry Geraghty has decided to stick with reigning Champion Hurdler Punjabi in next week's renewal of the Cheltenham showpiece after he gave him an "unbelievable feel" when scoring at Kempton last time out.
Geraghty broke the news in his attheraces.com blog and couldn't be happier with the well being of his choice who is currently a top priced 8-1 to retain his crown next Tuesday.
He said: "After a lot of hard thinking I’m going to stay loyal and ride Punjabi in the Champion Hurdle. It was not an easy decision to make because Zaynar is a very talented horse that any jockey would want to ride, but I couldn’t get off the reigning Champion Hurdler when he’s in such good form."
"He’s a horse that’s done it on the big stage and he knows what to expect on the big day. But more important still, he just gave me the most unbelievable feel at Kempton, when he really picked up impressively."
"I’m sure he is simply a spring horse and just comes to himself at this time of year, it was just a much better feel at Kempton to the one he gave me the time before at Haydock. My decision should not reflect at all on Zaynar as I’m sure he’ll run a big race."
