Garrett Cotter is set for the biggest challenge of his young career when he takes the ride on the favourite Commanche Court in Saturday's Ladbroke Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Commanche Court's trainer Ted Walsh confirmed the arrangement yesterday after his first preferences, Richard Dunwoody and Tony McCoy, were both committed to Sandown.

"Unless Sandown is called off, which I hear is very unlikely, Garrett rides Commanche Court," said Walsh. Cotter, the champion conditional rider last season, has ridden Commanche Court in work in the past.

Commanche Court attracted betting interest yesterday with the sponsors. He is now 4 to 1 from 5 to 1 (having been 10 to 1 before he ran over Christmas).

Other Ladbroke news centred on Fishin' Joella, well supported in the ante-post market, who is now a doubtful runner after meeting with a slight setback.