Whisper tipped for Spring success

Jockey Barry Geraghty is backing Whisper to enjoy a successful Spring, starting in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old won the Coral Cup at the Festival 12 months ago and followed it up with a Grade One victory at Aintree in his next outing.

But Whisper’s seasonal bow at Exeter last month ended disappointingly when he failed to take to fences at his first attempt.

However after only a head separated him from World Hurdle hope Saphir Du Rheu at last term’s Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las, Geraghty feels Whisper is in with a great shout for the March 12 race.

He said: “I think he’s set for a good spring and he’s showing plenty of sparkle ahead of the World Hurdle.

“With More Of That out of the race, it has a wide-open look about it and the form of his Grade One win at Aintree is there for all to see.”