Gorge: Australian hurdler boarding with Mark Johnston in Middleham

  PICTURE: John Grossick  

Richie McGrath set to ride Gorge at Kelso

AUSTRALIAN hurdler Gorge, who is boarding with Mark Johnston in Middleham in readiness for a crack at the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, looks set to be ridden by Richie McGrath when he makes his British debut next month.

Richie McGrath: schooling session

  PICTURE: Gerry & Mark Cranham  

The eight-year-old is being aimed at the Grade 2 Totepool Premier Hurdle over 2m2f at Kelso on March 6.

He was schooled by McGrath on Monday and outlining riding plans trainer Anthony Cosgriff, on a flying visit from Victoria, said: "It is best to have someone who knows the horse and has confidence in the horse so I was keen to have someone who was going to be able to school for us.

"Richie schools at Kate Walton's which is just at the other end of the lane from where Gorge is. Richie is tremendously experienced and I am happy to have someone who rides a bit longer and is really going to get the horse to jump.

"He's a good jumper but I still think he is going to need a little bit of guidance over the different jumps. Richie has put himself out schooling for us, so he will certainly be offered the ride at Kelso."