Johnson could still ride Coneygree
Johnson has been retained by Philip Hobbs to ride Menorah but there is a chance his horse may not run and he could be switched to ride Coneygree and replace Coleman
AIDAN COLEMAN will be declared to ride Coneygree in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday - but Richard Johnson could still end up taking the mount if Menorah is a non-runner.
With regular rider Nico de Boinville on the sidelines, champion jockey Johnson had been first choice to partner the 2015 Gold Cup winner on his much-anticipated return to action.
However, Johnson has been claimed by his boss Philip Hobbs to ride Menorah in the same race.
But with plenty of rain forecast, connections may decide the ground is unsuitable and withdraw him from the Grade One on Merseyside.
Should that be the case, Coleman has been informed by Coneygree's team that Johnson will take over aboard the nine-year-old.
Sara Bradstock, assistant trainer to her husband, Mark, said: "Basically, Aidan Coleman will be declared to ride Coneygree.
"We're of the understanding Richard is riding Menorah but if for any reason Menorah doesn't run then Richard will step in.
"Aidan is fully aware of the situation and is fine with it."
The British Horseracing Authority said on Thursday morning that the Bradstocks would be allowed to make the proposed change under the rules of racing.
Coneygree and Menorah are two of seven declarations for the first Grade One in England this season.
Cue Card, already twice a winner of this race, will aim to continue the great recent form of trainer Colin Tizzard.
Another dual winner is the Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti, with his first victory in the race arriving four years ago.
Seeyouatmidnight will aim to become the first northern-trained winner of the race as he represents Borders handler Sandy Thomson.
His jockey Brian Hughes will also be full of confidence after a five-timer at Musselburgh earlier in the week.
Irish Cavalier heads to Haydock on the back of a career-best performance, having downed Cue Card and Menorah in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
"He's in the form of his life - he really couldn't be better - but my only worry is that there is so much rain due," said trainer Rebecca Curtis.
"Now he's a bit older he does handle the softer ground better, but there's no doubt he's at his best on nice ground as all his best form is normally in the spring.
"He's still only seven and I hope he's still improving.
"Each year so far he's improved a stone so I hope that continues."
There is even French interest this year with Emmanuel Clayeux sending over Vezelay.
God's Own and the Gordon Elliott-trained duo of Outlander and Roi Des Francs were withdrawn at the final declaration stage.
