Norman Williamson was today eased to 9-4 from 2-1 by Coral for the Daily Telegraph Trophy awarded to the top jockey at next month's Cheltenham Festival. The move came following the announcement that he has lost the ride on leading Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Looks Like Trouble.
The loss of such a good ride coincided with the fantastic performance of Gloria Victis in the Racing Post Chase which will give champion jockey Tony McCoy a major chance in chasing's blue riband.
Coral now make McCoy 5-4 favourite from 6-4.
'This is a blow for Norman Williamson's Cheltenham prospects but he still has a very attractive set of mounts including Decoupage or Bellator, Lady Rebecca and Monsignor, and will give McCoy a run for his money,' said Simon Clare, Coral spokesman. -PA
Cheltenham Festival top jockey:
5-4 Tony McCoy (from 6-4) 9-4 Norman Williamson (from 2-1) 9-2 Mick Fitzgerald 10-1 Richard Johnson 12-1 Joe Tizzard 14-1 Paul Carberry 25-1 Charlie Swan 33-1 Carl Llewellyn, Adrian Maguire 40-1 Jim Culloty, Conor O'Dwyer 50-1 Timmy Murphy, Lorcan Wyer
