Racing: Ruby Walsh could ride Champion Hurdle favourite Brave Inca if Tony McCoy is claimed to ride Lingo at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
McCoy has ridden Colm Murphy's eight-year-old to victory four times this season, including Sunday's determined effort in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
But the champion jockey may not be able to ride Brave Inca at Cheltenham due to his commitments with owner JP McManus.
To that end, Murphy is considering a back-up plan by using Walsh at the Festival - should McCoy not be available.
"Ruby would be the obvious one," explained the County Wexford handler. "I presume he hasn't got a ride in the race at the moment.
"We're not jumping the gun and nothing has been decided yet - I haven't spoken to the owners - and I would love Tony to ride the horse.
"But we'll have to wait and see how he gets on with Lingo, and as soon as we get confirmation we'll discuss it and see who's in line next.
"I'm looking forward to running him, whoever rides him. I was delighted with his latest win and he's in great form," Murphy told the Daily Mirror.
PA