Tony McCoy has chosen to ride Carlingford Lough in what will be the champion jockey's last Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The soon-to-be-retired McCoy also had the option of riding Holywell on March 13 but will keep faith with John Kiely's nine-year-old, who excelled in the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown earlier this month.

"My final Cheltenham Festival as a jockey is now just three weeks away and I couldn't be happier to say that Carlingford Lough will be my ride in the Cheltenham Gold Cup," McCoy told thejockeyclub.co.uk.

"So long as trainer John Kiely and JP McManus (owner) are happy with his condition then I will be aboard him on March 13.

"Gold Cup day is probably the most important day of the whole jumping year and I am hoping he has got a live chance.

"John Kiely has the horse in great shape and he is definitely going there with a chance."