Leading jumps racing owner JP McManus is still in no rush to fill the spot as his retained rider left by Barry Geraghty after he retired earlier this year.
Racing Manager to the owner Frank Berry has also expressed there are no plans to replace to replace the great jockey in the UK, with a plan to just use the best riders available to ride their horses.
McManus predominately has horses in the UK with Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, Jonjo O’Neill, Philip Hobbs, Alan King and Harry Fry and at the moment will just use the riders that are retained for the yard.
There was speculation that a certain rider would take over the reigns from Geraghty after his retirement, with people like Aidan Coleman, Jonjo O'Neill Jnr and Richie McLernon all tipped up to be the next number one.
However, it looks as though the team are in no rush to name a specific person in the UK, whilst in Ireland Mark Walsh continues to be the number one rider across the pond and it looks like he will ride the best McManus horses at the bigger festivals in the UK.
All class!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 10, 2020
Epatante remains unbeaten this season and storms home in the @UnibetRacing Champion Hurdle for @BarryJGeraghty and @sevenbarrows 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/g6j29QQi8M
(Credit ATR) “There are no plans at all. Everything is the same as it was. We are carrying on as normal,” said Berry.
The big ride that one rider will want to get their hands on is that of the Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, who will be heading back to Prestbury Park this term in search of back to back Grade One wins in the race.
“Nicky is very happy with her. We don’t know at the minute where she will start off. She has a good few options. We’ll see when she’s ready,” said Berry.
“The Champion Hurdle is definitely the target.”
McManus has some of the best flock of horses in the sport with the likes of Buveur D'Air making his return from injury this season and he is said to be getting back to top form after his surgery to remove the splinter of wood in his foot.
Berry said: “He’s back in Nicky’s and it’s so far, so good.
“It’s taken him a long time to get over the injury, but he’s back being ridden out and we’re just taking it day by day with him.
“He’ll tell us when he’s ready. He’s on the road back and it would be great to see him again.”