GO BALLISTIC has been confirmed a definite starter in the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Richard Phillips' charge, who scored over hurdles on his last run at Cheltenham earlier this month, held an alternative option in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

But connections have opted to run him in the race in which he finished second to See More Business last year.

Phillips said today: "He will run at Kempton, he's in good form and we're hoping for a good show.

"Tony Dobbin might have other commitments so Richard Johnson has been pencilled in for the ride."

However, there is no decision over Mulligan's participation.

Trainer Alan King said: "There's no decision yet, we'll wait until the morning.

"If he doesn't go to Kempton, there's a handicap chase for him at Cheltenham at the end of the week.

"We'll keep an eye on the going at Kempton and I'll discuss it with the owners before deciding whether we declare him."

Dean Gallagher has been given the all-clear to resume riding in Britain on New Year's Day after satisfying the Jockey Club that he is drug-free.

The jump jockey was banned for six months by the French Jockey Club after testing positive for cocaine on three separate racedays in France earlier this year.

However, the 31-year-old will be back in the saddle next month after regaining his licence following a meeting with the Jockey Club's licensing committee on Wednesday.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse said: "Dean Gallagher saw the licensing committee today and he will be able to start riding again in this country on the first of January.

"They needed confirmation that they were happy that he met all their concerns.

"He will be subject to enhanced testing over here. Other jockeys have random tests, but Dean, to begin with, will be providing more regular samples.

"The committee and the medical team were satisfied that he was fit to return to race-riding."

Gallagher has been riding out for several trainers and has declared himself fit for his comeback.