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Walsh free for Newbury ride

Ruby Walsh was added positive news on Monday that he will be able to ride Zarkandar in the Betfair Hurdle on Saturday at Newbury.

The Irish Champion Jockey was set to be banned this weekend under the three day penalty he picked up when interfering with Pearl Swan whilst riding Grameti on Trials Day at Cheltenham. However, the transfer of the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase from Sandown to Newbury means that the meeting has now gained Grade One status which allows Walsh to defer the first day of his ban.

Following the news, trainer Paul Nicholls has moved Daryl Jacob onto Empire Levant to free the ride up on Zarkandar for Walsh. Those looking at the best horse racing betting odds need to remember this.

Nicholls has warned punters not to expect too much from his five-year old on Saturday as it will be used as a preparation run for the Cheltenham Festival next month.

“First and foremost he’s not been trained just for Saturday – it’s the Champion Hurdle that I want him at his very best,” he said. “He could run a blinder but he will improve.”

Zarkandar won the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival in 2011 and is unbeaten over hurdles in three starts. He has not run since winning at the Grand National meeting at Aintree last April.

Newbury’s card on Saturday also includes the Denman AON Chase which includes the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run. It will be Nicky Henderson’s runner’s final outing before he attempts to defend his crown in the blue riband event at the Festival next month. What A Friend, Burton Port and Tidal Bay are amongst the challengers for the seven-year old in the Grade Two contest.