ADRIAN MAGUIRE secured a good mount in the Champion Hurdle when he was booked yesterday to partner Montelado in his much delayed comeback race at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Overlooked for the mount on Danoli, Maguire has agreed to ride the talented but injury plagued gelding in the AIG Irish Champion Hurdle and again at Cheltenham.

Trainer Pat Flynn turned to Maguire after Richard Dunwoody and Charlie Swan, who have both ridden the horse before, were claimed for Balawhar and Hotel Minella.

Maguire's agent Dave Roberts said "Adrian was very keen to ride Montelado and he has an agreement to partner the horse both on Sunday and at Cheltenham."

Montelado, twice a winner at the Festival, has not run over hurdles since last year's Champion Hurdle, in which he finished ninth on his only start of the season.

Wins on the Flat since signalled a return to form but attempts to resurrect his jumping career this campaign have been successively frustrated by minor setbacks.