Top Flat jockey Kieren Fallon has pulled out of riding the 20/1 shot Old McDonald in the Wetherby’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham next week.

The three-time Derby winner was booked to ride the Noel Glynn-trained charge last month as he looked to try and become the first Flat jockey since Jamie Spencer in 2002 to win the race.

However, the six-time champion jockey has now informed Glynn that he would rather stay in Dubai than compete at Cheltenham with the trainer giving Paul Carberry the ride, something Glynn feels could work out for him.

“Luckily for us it’s worked out grand as Noel Meade hasn’t got a runner in the bumper and we’ve got Paul Carberry booked to ride,” said Glynn.

“I’m delighted to have got him as he knows the course really well, so it might work out even better.”

Glynn also revealed that Carberry’s sister Nina will ride for him in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup on the same day, taking on Becauseicouldntsee (14/1 to win the amateur hurdles event) on the third day of the festival.

While Glynn is confident over his chances in the Bumper Willie Mullins could be the man to beat again as he could saddle as many as four rides.

The former six-time winner is set to enter Day Of A Lifetime (8/1 to win the Bumper), Bishopsfurze (12/1) and Up Ou That (14/1) while Lios A Choill (20/1) is also a possible runner having recently returned to action.

While Mullins has a chance to claim a seventh winner with all of his rides the champion trainer says he has been particularly impressed with Day Of A Lifetime after his recent win at Fairyhouse.

“He did it very well and had been working very well at home. He won like he was working as he had been showing lots of ability at home, so we were happy with that.”