Jonjo O'Neill jnr 'delighted' to get Cheltenham Gold Cup call-up

Jonjo O'Neill jnr is relishing the "massive" opportunity to be part of Friday's Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup after the young rider was entrusted with the ride on Elegant Escape in the feature race of the Cheltenham Festival.

O'Neill, 22, has already enjoyed a breakthrough season as he gallops unchallenged towards the conditional riders' championship and his recent good form for the Colin Tizzard stable has been rewarded with the opportunity to ride Elegant Escape, a top-priced 66-1 with William Hill and Betfred, at the end of the week.

"He's won a Welsh National in the past, ran really well in the Ladbrokes Trophy this season and I'm delighted to get the call up – it's the biggest race of the year and massive to be riding in the Gold Cup," said the rider, who scored his first win at Graded level when partnering former Gold Cup hero Native River to victory at Newbury last month.