Confusion persists as to Norman Williamson's riding plans for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup after top novice chaser Nick Dundee was announced a possible runner in the race, which takes place next Thursday.

It had been assumed that the Corkman, who landed the Gold Cup on Master Oats in 1995, would partner Teeton Mill, having ridden Edward O'Grady's Nick Dundee in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Chase the previous day.

However, speculation that Nick Dundee will instead take his place in the Gold Cup has given rise to a possible dilemma for the jockey.

With an announcement as to Nick Dundee's chosen race expected at the weekend, Stephen Winstanley, boss of Teeton Mill's owners, The Winning Line, claimed yesterday that Williamson had agreed to ride the Venetia Williams-trained grey, on whom he has won the Badger Beer Chase at Wincanton, the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury, Kempton's King George VI Chase, and the Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase this season.

"All I can tell you is that Venetia has assured us that Norman Williamson will ride the horse," he said. "We will be disappointed if he doesn't and, quite frankly, amazed.

"I am not happy about the situation as it stands and we have made contingency plans if he doesn't ride.

"We won't be left without a top jockey for the race, that I can assure you.

"We understand Norman's point of view but we can't wait forever as I run a syndicate of owners who want to know where they stand."

Hywel Davies, racing manager to the Winning Line, also maintained that Williamson had committed himself to Teeton Mill.

"I have just had it confirmed from the powers that be - the trainer and the team at The Winning Line - that Norman will ride Teeton Mill," he said.

However, Williamson, regular partner of both horses, stressed he has not ruled out riding Nick Dundee, who runs in the colours of Sue Magnier, should the gelding run in the Gold Cup.

"I am pretty sick of it all at present," he said. "I met Mr Magnier yesterday and we spoke at length about the horse.

"A decision will be made in the next few days about which race he runs in and everybody will know when it has been made.

"I fully appreciate that people want me to make a decision but there is no point in me saying what I ride in the race until a decision about Nick Dundee is made.

"Hywel Davies has said what he has said and that is up to him.

"Looking at it from my point of view, Nick Dundee has done nothing wrong this season and Teeton Mill has been brilliant."

Williams herself could shed no light on the matter. "I can't tell anybody anything as I don't know more than anyone else at present," she offered.

Teeton Mill is 5 to 2 favourite for the Gold Cup with Coral, who price Nick Dundee at 10 to 1 with a run.