Racing:Noel Fehily will ride Kauto Star in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day. Regular rider Ruby Walsh is missing with a broken leg as Paul Nicholls' star bids for an unprecedented fifth success in the showpiece and a host of big name jockeys had been linked with the mount.
However Fehily has been riding regular winners for the champion trainer and his performance aboard Master Minded at Ascot on Saturday persuaded connections he was the man for the job.
The trainer said: "I am relieved to be able to tell you that we have made a decision on who rides Kauto Star at Kempton. I have literally just put the phone down to Clive Smith and Noel Fehily takes the ride.
"It was fairly obvious that we were heading in that direction. And Noel's success aboard Master Minded on Saturday pretty much sealed the decision. I am relieved to be able to put it to bed as it will now stop everyone asking me about it!"
Fehily told At The Races: "It's absolutely brilliant to get a ride like that on a horse like that. He's obviously a very good horse and I can't wait - I'm really excited."