News Derek O'Connor retains Edwulf ride in Cheltenham Gold Cup

Derek O'Connor retains Edwulf ride in Cheltenham Gold Cup

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Derek O'Connor is set to continue his association with Edwulf in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday week.

The combination teamed up to land a remarkable victory in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last month, 11 months after Edwulf's life hung in the balance after he collapsed in the closing stages of the JT McNamara National Hunt Chase.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, has confirmed the top amateur will be in the saddle and that retained riders Barry Geraghty and Mark Walsh will choose between last year's runner-up Minella Rocco and Anibale Fly.

"Derek O'Connor rides Edwulf and Mark and Barry will ride Minella Rocco and Anibale Fly," said Berry.

"Which way those two will go, I don't know. They will leave it until declaration time.

"Barry will have first choice and they'll sort it between them.

"Edwulf ran a blinder last time. It was nice to win at Leopardstown. Derek rides him."