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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Noel Fehily passed fit to ride Master Minded
10/12/10

Noel Fehily will be able to ride at the Cheltenham meeting this week, after initially being told he would not be granted permission to ride on his proposed return from his wrist injury.

However, BHA head of communications Paul Struthers said on Thursday evening: "Dr Turner spoke to Noel Fehily's specialist this morning, who confirmed that Noel would be able to resume riding but only whilst wearing a protective case. This is not compliant with our published Medical Standards for Fitness to Ride and Noel was therefore informed that, unfortunately, he could not be cleared to ride. Having discussed the matter further with the PJA and with Noel, Dr Turner arranged for him to see a second specialist this afternoon. That specialist's view was that if the wrist was properly strapped it would be fine and would not negatively impact on Noel's control of a horse. Following that news, Dr Turner spoke to Noel's original specialist, and they agreed this to be a suitable course of action which would ensure Noel was compliant with our Medical Standards. As Dr Turner has not examined Noel himself, Noel will still have to be cleared by the Racecourse Medical Officer in order to have his Red Entry removed and to satisfy the requirements of the Professional Riders' Insurance Scheme (PRIS). Assuming that's fine, he'll be clear to ride."

Master Minded is the pick of Fehily’s rides in the re-arranged Tingle Creek on Saturday.

In the opening race on Friday, Reve De Sivola could see off a decent field in the novice chase. With Nick Williams, the horse has a similar profile to Diamond Harry and a competent round of jumping should see him go close after running to 155 over hurdles here at the Festival on similar ground to today’s.

Recommendation: 12.10 Cheltenham – Reve De Sivola