A KEY piece of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle jigsaw was put into place yesterday when it was revealed that Richard Dunwoody will ride favourite Alderbrook in this day week's showpiece event. At the same time it was also announced that Dunwoody's intended mount, the Dermot Weld trained Fortune and Fame, would miss the blue riband of hurdling for the second time in three years.
Dunwoody schooled Fortinean Flame after racing at Leopardstown on Sunday and was pleased with the session. But the champion jockey announced his plans at Windsor yesterday afternoon.
Dunwoody said: "Fortune and Fame did a good piece of work, but obviously Mr Weld was not happy with him. I am very happy getting the ride on Alderbrook, it is a great opportunity."
Alderbrook's trainer Kim Bailey, who was also at Windsor, was relieved at Dunwoody's decision to continue the partnership which was successful in Kempton's Levy Board Hurdle last month. Bailey, desperate to final use riding plans after stable jockey Norman Williamson was sidelined by injury, said: "I'm delighted everything has been fixed up."
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Dr Michael Smurfit, sponsor of the race and part owner of Fortune and Fame, spoke about the withdrawal of the gelding who finished fourth last year. "The decision to miss Cheltenham for, the second time in the last three years with Fortune and Fame was taken on veterinary advice," the spokesman said. "The horse is not lame and Mr Weld was happy with his work at Leopardstown but the decision has been made not to travel on veterinary advice."
