Razor Royale wins Kempton's Racing Post Chase
There was a nervous moment at the end for the winning horse and jockey Razor Royale weathered a terrible blunder at the final fence to land the Racing Post Chase at Kempton at 11-1.Under huge pressure from Tony McCoy, on last year's winner Nacarat, Paddy Brennan lost his reins after the horse slowed up alarmingly after the last. But Nacarat had to settle for second with Le Burf a long way back in third. Meanwhile, Punjabi remains 11-1 with William Hill to retain his Champion Hurdle crown in March after winning a low-quality trial at the same course. The well-fancied Fistral Beach, the 100-30 favourite, was an early faller in Saturday's feature race, a valuable handicap over three miles. The early pace was set by Atouchbetweenacara, but in tacky ground that really tested the horses' jumping skills, his mistake after the first circuit left the grey Nacarat, trained by Tom George, out in front. He looked likeliest to win as McCoy got him up to cruising speed, but the going was not entirely suitable for the nine-year-old - who won here on much better ground 12 months ago.Escort'Men's win in the 2.00 at Kempton had to be seen to be believed. He absolutely murdered some well-touted horses. Could be a future Nicholls champion SupremeArkle He was tiring when making a jumping error of his own four out, leaving Brennan on the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Razor Royale to take up the running. That appeared to be the decisive moment, but McCoy got tantalisingly close in the final few yards before Razor Royale, some 17lb better off, just edged in front again before the line. Earlier,Punjabi, the Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old, travelled smoothly in midfield as outsider Spider Boy made the pace out front and suffered his only minor scare when narrowly avoiding Treaty Flyer when she fell at the fourth. Barry Geraghty unleashed the 1-6 favourite as the horses turned for home and smoothly cleared the final two hurdles to gain more than £8,000 in prize money. Border Castle was 12 lengths back in second at 14-1 on his first start for 658 days and Supernoverre was a further seven lengths behind in third. Henderson said: "I'm very, very pleased. He's done what he had to do and he did it slickly and professionally. "He showed everyone he's fit and well and all the buttons work when they're pushed. He's going to defend his crown. Things just haven't gone right with my Champion Hurdle horses this season, but Zaynar will be alright and Punjabi, it's still his crown to lose." Also at Kempton, Ruby Walsh picked up a double for the Paul Nicholls yard with Escort'Men (16-1) and The Nightingale (4-6f). Big Zeb back on track for Champion Chase at Cheltenham
Big Zeb left his rivals trailing at Punchestown Big Zeb is back among the leading contenders for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March after a fine Punchestown victory on Sunday.Barry Geraghty oozed confidence on the Colm Murphy-trained horse, who won the Tied Cottage Chase by seven lengths. Odds-on favourite Golden Silver, under Ruby Walsh, had to settle for second. Big Zeb, who was fourth behind winner Twist Magic when favourite for the Tingle Creek Chase in December, is now as low as 5-1 for the Champion Chase. "We'll freshen him up and then it's on to Cheltenham, it's nice to be going over there on the back of that," said Irish trainer Murphy. Who will be the next chasing superstar? loudsuperstarkauto28 "We probably shouldn't have sent him over to the Tingle Creek (at Sandown) - I blame myself for that. "His jumping was brilliant and we've done a lot of schooling with him at home." Dual champion chaser Master Minded and Twist Magic, both trained by Paul Nicholls, are the market leaders for the big race at the Cheltenham Festival on 17 March. What A Friend wins Lexus at Leopardstown for Ferguson
What A Friend was well beaten by Cooldine at the Cheltenham Festival What A Friend, part-owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, won the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.The 11-2 chance, runner-up to Denman in the Hennessy Gold Cup in November, stayed on to beat Money Trix and Joncol while favourite Cooldine disappointed. What A Friend, trained by Ferguson's friend Paul Nicholls, was ridden by Denman's former jockey Sam Thomas. Meanwhile, Solwhit won the December Festival Hurdle to enhance his claims for the Champion Hurdle in March. Bookmakers reacted to What A Friend's victory by cutting the six-year-old to 20-1 from 33s for the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup. The three-mile chase, which traditionally features some leading Gold Cup contenders, was rearranged after fog caused Monday's card to be postponed. Thomas, who was on board What A Friend in the Hennessy, only got the Lexus ride after Barry Geraghty was rerouted to Newbury. "If you take Denman out he would have been a good winner of the Hennessy and all credit to him for coming here three weeks after that run," said Thomas, who won the 2008 Gold Cup on Denman but has endured mixed fortunes since. "People thought he was ungenuine in the Hennessy when he wandered about going to the final fence but he was just trying so hard. "Some great horses like Denman and Beef Or Salmon have won this race so hopefully our horse can go onto bigger and better things and I think he might come back here for the Irish Hennessy." Cooldine, who won the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival by 16 lengths in March when What A Friend was last of six finishers, was sent off the 100-30 favourite. CORNELIUS LYSAGHT ON TWITTER What A Friend has paid a huge compliment to Denman Follow BBC racing correspondent But trainer Willie Mullins had warned he might need the race and he faded in the closing stages under Paul Townend, who stepped in after Ruby Walsh chose to ride Big Buck's for Nicholls in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury. What A Friend, who had a 22lb weight advantage when second to Denman in the Hennessy, travelled well throughout. He stayed on for an English 1-2, gamely holding off the Nicky Richards-trained Money Trix (14-1) by half a length with 2008 Welsh National winner Joncol (7-2) in third. Joncol's trainer Paul Nolan said : "It is unfortunate that we seem so far behind the English horses. "For What A Friend to come over and beat us like that, it puts us a long way behind. "Hopefully he will improve a bit with age and I am delighted with his run, but I thought that we did have it." It was the biggest National Hunt win so far for Ferguson, who jointly owns the winner with Ged Mason. The Manchester United manager has enjoyed mixed fortunes during his forays into racehorse ownership. Ferguson led in the brilliant Flat horse Rock of Gibraltar during his early successes, but an ownership dispute saw him come off second best in a row with wealthy Irish racing duo JP McManus and John Magnier. In the big hurdle race, Davy Russell pushed out 8-11 favourite Solwhit to win for trainer Charles Byrnes. The 2007 Champion Hurdle winner Sublimity (5-1) was two lengths behind in second. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lexus Chase 3m, Leopardstown 1 What A Friend (Paul Nicholls) Sam Thomas 11-22 Money Trix 14-13 JoncolDist: 7-2 ½, 1¼. 11 ranLeopardstown Golf Centre December Festival Hurdle 2m1 Solwhit (Charles Byrnes) Davy Russell 8-11f2 Sublimity 5-1 Dist: 2, 2½. 6 ran Disabled jockey set to make debut
Philip Prince was born with one ear and a jaw defect A 17-year-old jockey who was born with one ear is due to make his debut on the flat at Wolverhampton on Monday.Philip Prince has faced a year of legal wrangles with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which initially rejected his licence application. But the jockey has now been granted an amateur licence and will ride either Cantabilly or Barodine in the 1410 GMT. Philip's mother Dawn said: "It shows if you want something bad enough and are dedicated, things can come good." In 2006, Philip, who also has a jaw defect, became involved in pony racing, and went on to enjoy 30 winners in over 60 rides over the last three years. Without pony racing we don't think Philip would be fulfilling his lifelong dream Dawn Prince He spent two years with trainer Ron Hodges, for whom he will ride on Monday, but is now based at former Southampton and England footballer Mick Channon's yard at West Ilsley, near Newbury. His mother continued: "Pony racing gave Philip a positive outlook, focus and helped him gain confidence. We are not a racing family and were totally new to the sport. "Everybody welcomed us and welcomed Philip enormously. He has found his disability difficult at times but pony racing turned things around for him. "Getting his licence has been a long and at times frustrating process. We are grateful to so many people who have kept our spirits up and ensured we didn't give up the fight. "Without pony racing we don't think Philip would be fulfilling his lifelong dream." The BHA turned down his application for a licence last year on the advice of their Medical Review Panel. 606: DEBATE Give your reaction to all the racing news But Philip and his family appealed the BHA decision, and after two further hearings managed to overturn it. The chief executive of the Pony Racing Authority, Rebecca Morgan, said: "We're delighted for Philip. I have come to know the family well through their outstanding support of pony racing and greatly admire their dedication and determination. "And I'm also pleased pony racing has made such a positive contribution to Philip and demonstrates the sport is open and accessible to all." Stars to breed with Arc heroine
The 2009 Arc champion Sea The Stars is set to generate annual fees of £10m from his breeding career at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in County Kildare. And the Aga Khan, who owns 2008 winner Zarkava, will send his unbeaten filly to the Derby-winning colt. "I believe the last two Arc winners were made for each other," he said. He believes the pair are similar in ability, temperament and conformation. "The best needs to be bred to the best," he said. To coin a showbusiness analogy, they are the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of the equine world. The match-up will send vibrations around the global bloodstock community, with high expectations for the pair's blueblood offspring. One bookmaker has already offered odds of 33-1 that a son or daughter goes on to win the Arc at Longchamp in France. Sea The Stars, a son of Cape Cross, will stand at stud for a fee of 85,000 euros (about £80,000). This is the charge that will be paid every time an owner sends a mare to be covered by him. With a book of 120 mares in his first year, the horse is expected to bring in about £10m in stud fees annually. Owners the Tsui family had been considering various options for Sea The Stars after he was officially retired a fortnight ago. Sea The Stars was hailed an all-time great after six Group One wins including a unique treble of the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. What would you name their offspring - Seize the Arc? cyclonic 111 Gilltown is close to the Curragh base of the three-year-old colt's Irish trainer John Oxx. "His Highness came over in late summer and had a look at him while he was visiting," said the trainer. "I think he was always going to stand in Ireland, and he'll get supported with some great mares there." Ling Tsui, mother of Christopher Tsui in whose colours he raced, said "Gilltown is an ideal stud for Sea The Stars to thrive and develop as a stallion. "There is no more appropriate place for him to stand than in his homeland and close to Currabeg where he was trained by John Oxx." The Aga Khan said the decision to use his stud brought him "the greatest happiness". "We are all proud to have such a remarkable athlete," he said. "Mrs Tsui and Christopher's decision is certainly one of the most important developments for my operation since I inherited it in 1960. "I am also most pleased that Mrs Tsui and Christopher will be developing their own breeding operation with the help of their magnificent horse, Sea The Stars. "This horse could also help develop relations to bring Chinese investment into the European bloodstock market." He added: "I look forward to the earliest opportunity to send my unbeaten champion Zarkava to Sea The Stars. " Dettori lands Ayr Gold Cup spoils
Frankie Dettori claimed his first win in the prestigious Ayr Gold Cup as Jimmy Styles held off the challenge of Barney McGrew ridden by Tom Eaves.The Italian star grabbed the glory in the £150,000 sprint handicap on the 14-1 shot, trained by Clive Cox.Dettori was always travelling well on the five-year-old and drove on strongly in the closing stages to win by a head.Knot In Wood (11-1) was three-quarters of a length away in third while the 7-1 favourite Evens And Odds was fourth.A delighted Dettori said: "It's a great race to win, I've never won it before and I'm thrilled."I was following Roger Charlton's horse (Genki) early on and my horse stayed on really well."Cox had wanted to nominate stall 19 for his horse but was given 15 when he lost connection on his phone at Thursday's draw ceremony, but all that was forgotten."We lost the connection, it happens to everybody and it doesn't matter now," the Lambourn trainer said."It's fantastic to have won this race. He has always promised to be a good horse and I'm pleased for everyone in the yard. We have had a tremendous year and this is the icing on the cake."I did not think a week ago the ground would come right for him with all the rain they had, but it did and I couldn't be more delighted."We'll have to talk to the owners about it and I don't know what we will do with him." Border secures second Nunthorpe
Ebor Festival, YorkDate: Tuesday 18 - Friday 21 AugustCoverage: Commentary of all the main races on BBC Radio 5 Live and via the 5 Live website (UK users only) More racing coverage detailsCallan was on board Borderlescott for the first time at YorkBorderlescott, trained by Robin Bastiman and ridden for the first time by Neil Callan, won the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York on Friday.It was a second consecutive triumph in the race for the horse, although the running of the 2008 race had to be rescheduled for Newmarket.The 9-1 shot came through the middle of the field with a burst of speed to catch the front-running Benbaun.Pre-race favourite Kingsgate Native came home sixth in the 16-strong field.Wetheby-based trainer Bastiman was thrilled by his success, particularly after the 2008 race had to be relocated to Suffolk because of a flooded course at York."It's brilliant to win on our home ground. We're only eight miles away, so it's just the job," he said."He comes right at this time of year and I keep telling everybody that. He likes that fast pace and got a nice lead today."Pat Cosgrave had partnered the seven-year-old on his previous 10 starts, but was replaced at the behest of the trainer for the race but Callan admitted his decision to ride had been something of a gamble."I had a bad fall yesterday and I was a bit worried I wouldn't make it today, but I made the right decision in taking off my last two rides so I was 100%," he said. Midday lands Nassau Stakes spoils Glorious Goodwood
Queally made the most of the tricky conditions to clinch victoryThe Epsom Oaks runner-up Midday returned to winning form with victory in the Nassau Stakes on the final day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting.After heavy rain there had been doubts whether the filly would handle the soft ground at the Sussex course.But trainer Henry Cecil decided she would run and his faith was justified as the 11-2 shot, ridden by Tom Queally, ran out an easy winner.Meanwhile, the big sprint, the Stewards Cup, was won by Genki at odds of 14-1.Steve Drowne's mount pulled away from his rivals in the final furlong to win by a length from the David Nicholls-trained Evens And Odds (33-1).Top-weight Knot In Wood was a gallant third, three-quarters of a length away, with the favourite Markab fourth.The weather had caused some difficulties in the Nassau Stakes as the field came across to the stands side in the straight but it was Midday who was in front as the runners emerged from the gloom.She kept on strongly to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths, with the favourite Rainbow View in second, ahead of Moneycantbuymelove.Give your reaction to Midday's victoryMidday had struggled in the mud at the Curragh when finishing third to Sariska in the Irish Oaks and Cecil admitted afterwards that he had nearly pulled her out of this race but lost his bottle."She doesn't like it soft but I had seen her work well on good to soft and they were going through it," he said."The times of the other races weren't too bad so I took a chance but then thought 'God, I have done the wrong thing'."I couldn't watch the race and felt quite sick but I heard everyone shouting 'come on Midday, come on Midday' so I knew that we weren't tailed off."Queally, who clinched his third Group One race of the season, was full of praise for Cecil."She did it well and she's back to her best. Henry stuck his neck out and said he wanted to run," he added."We just didn't want to break her heart again and disappoint her [on soft ground] but she went on it better than I thought she would - Irish soft ground and English are two different things and this proved it."Nassau Stakes1. Midday (T P Queally) 11-2 2. Rainbow View (J Fortune) 5-2 Fav 3. Moneycantbuymelove (J P Spencer) 17-2 10 ran. Dist: 2¼, ½Stewards Cup1. Genki (S Drowne) 14-1 2. Evens And Odds (W A Carson) 33-1 3. Knot In Wood (B McHugh) 10-1 4. Markab (P Cosgrave) 15-2 Fav 26 ran. Dist: 1, ¾ Henderson to get personal hearing
Henderson is facing the prospect of a fine or a banLeading trainer Nicky Henderson will have a personal hearing with the British Horseracing Authority on Thursday over the Moonlit Path case.Henderson was last week found guilty of breaching the rules of racing after the horse, who he trains for the Queen, failed a drugs test.The 59-year-old had the right to request the personal hearing, which will be heard at 1600 BST.He faces the prospect of either a heavy fine or a ban from the sport.Last week, Henderson was found guilty of administering the prohibited anti-bleeding drug tranexamic acid to Moonlit Path before she finished sixth in a race at Huntingdon in February.The Lambourn-based trainer had admitted three of the four charges he faced, but denied any wrongdoing in relation to the BHA's Rule 200, which governs administrating or attempting to administrate a positive substance.He also insisted at that hearing that there had been no intention to enhance the horse's performance.Moonlit Path was making her racecourse debut at Huntingdon and has since run three times.The race was won by another Henderson-trained horse, Ravello Bay. Sariska heads Epsom Oaks line-up
Sariska will be the filly to beat at Epsom DownsAnte-post favourite Sariska heads 12 confirmations for Friday's Oaks at Epsom racecourse.Michael Bell's filly heads the betting for the Classic following a superb display in the Musidora at York.Last year's champion juvenile filly, Rainbow View, will be looking for a big improvement after finishing only fifth in the 1000 Guineas.Henry Cecil is in search of a ninth win in the race with Midday, who won the Lingfield Oaks Trial on her last start.She is likely to closely contest the Group One mile-and-a-half race having come second in the Blue Riband Trial against the colts at Epsom earlier in the season.Ireland's representatives come in the form of Aidan O'Brien's Cheshire Oaks winner Perfect Truth and Jim Bolger's Oh Goodness Me.Barry Hills' High Heeled, Clive Brittain's Nashmiah and Wadaat and Sir Michael Stoute's Phillipina are other contenders in with an outside chance.Amanda Perrett's Tottie represents last year's winning owner, Julian Richmond-Watson, while The Miniver Rose and Three Moons complete the list. Master Minded snatches Irish win
Master Minded has won the last two Queen Mother Champion ChasesOdds-on favourite Master Minded endured a big scare before earning a narrow win in the Kerrygold Champion Chase.The double Queen Mother Champion Chase winner was given a narrow lead after the last, but only because of a jumping error by eventual runner-up Big Zeb.Barry Geraghty's mount recovered well and almost hauled in Master Minded, with Ruby Walsh on board, at the line.However the 30-100 favourite clung on to win by a head to collect his fourth Grade One victory of the campaign.Master Minded led all the way and the race appeared sewn up when Paul Nicholls' horse produced a big jump three from home to move four lengths clear.But the Colm Murphy-trained Big Zeb reduced the six-year-old's lead and looked to have moved into a slight advantage before getting it all wrong at the last.The mistake enabled Master Minded to move two lengths clear again but Big Zeb regrouped to produce a last-gasp charge before the finishing post came just in time for the English raider.It was a fifth Grade One success in all for the French import, starting with the 2008 Queen Mother success.He's won, and that is what it's all aboutMaster Minded's trainer Paul NichollsWinning trainer Nicholls felt that his horse had got "a little bit idle" during the race."Last year at Cheltenham he got a real fast-run race and I think he could probably do with a bit of company and a good gallop."It's the back-end of the season and I thought he looked as well as he's looked for a long time. But some of ours that have been in since last July have run a bit flat of late."He's won, and that is what it's all about," concluded Nicholls.Big Zeb had failed to complete on his two most recent chasing starts, prior to a confidence-booster over timber at Fairyhouse a little over two weeks ago.Geraghty said: "He's got his head down after the last, and was only beaten a head, so it was a great run - although it's disappointing to be beaten."Trainer Murphy echoed Geraghty's sentiments, adding: "It's a pity to get so close and not quite get there."Our fellow is still on the up, and is still inexperienced, so we have something to look forward to next year." McCoy bides time on National ride
JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL, Aintree: Saturday 4 April, 1615 BST Coverage: Full TV coverage from Aintree on Thursday and Friday on BBC2 and online from 1345, and on Saturday from 1300. Saturday - radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobilesMcCoy's 2008 National mount, Butler's Cabin, is entered once againTony McCoy will leave punters guessing until as late as possible over his chosen mount for the Grand National.The 13-time champion jockey has made no secret of his desire to add this race to his catalogue of success and has the choice of four JP McManus-owned horses.Butler's Cabin, a warm order in the betting for Saturday's big race, appears the most attractive option.But McCoy fell from the nine-year-old 12 months ago and is thought to be considering a switch to L'Ami.Butler's Cabin, trained by Jonjo O'Neill in Gloucestershire, was travelling superbly for McCoy before parting company with his jockey in an uncharacteristic fall at Becher's Brook on the second circuit.He has been quietly campaigned in shorter handicaps this term and is priced at around 9-1 for the four-and-a-half miler.606: DEBATEI do hope McCoy rides Butler's Cabin as I have him ante-post but the longer Tony takes to announce his ride the more nervous I'm getting shortheadwinL'Ami, trained in Ireland and a 20-1 shot, has had a fine season but has a history of poor jumping and was another to fall in the 2008 National.McManus' racing manager Frank Berry insists there is no rush for McCoy to decide which of the owner's four entries he will ride.But it would be a big shock if he went for either Can't Buy Time (40-1) or Reveillez (100-1).Berry said: "There is no pressure for Tony to make up his mind, because we have jockeys ready for the other horses. I'm sure he will wait to see what the ground is on Thursday morning."Butler's Cabin jumped well for a long way last year and has come back and run a good race in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham."He's a bit higher in the weights this year but he has come out of his last race well - and you would have to be pleased with him."He jumps fences the best way for a National horse, he's not extravagant and is quite a clever horseBrooklyn Brownie's trainer Malcolm JeffersonL'Ami made it only as far as the second fence 12 months ago, ending the riding career of Mick Fitzgerald with a crashing fall.Berry said of the 10-year-old gelding: "He's been round the cross-country courses a few times since and he has got sharper at it. He's fit and well, so I hope he will run a good race."Meanwhile, Malcolm Jefferson believes Brooklyn Brownie (33-1) could go well, having finished second over the giant fences in the Grand Sefton back in November.The trainer said: "I just thought we'd give him a run over the National fences, because he's always had the appetite to jump. He ran well to finish second, and I said to his owners then if everything went right we would aim for the National - and that's what we've done."He jumps fences probably the best way for a National horse, because he's not over extravagant and he is quite a clever horse. Over four-and-a-half miles, you never know - but he ticks a few boxes."Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said conditions on the Grand National course were expected to be good, good to soft in places. He said: "We are forecast to receive some rain on Friday night which is either going to be 1-2mm or 4-5mm depending on who you listen to."It has been a dry week, and there isn't any sign of rain coming before Friday, so we will continue to selectively water the Mildmay and Hurdle courses where needed."The official going for the Mildmay and Hurdle courses is good. Pipe backs Madison for Gold Cup
Madison du Berlais claimed Denman's scalp at Kempton earlier this monthTrainer David Pipe believes his charge Madison du Berlais is a live contender to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.The eight-year-old beat Gold Cup holder Denman at Kempton three weeks ago and is now the 8-1 fourth favourite for the 13 March blue riband event."I didn't think I would be saying at the start of the year that we have a live Gold Cup candidate," said Pipe."He is a great horse and deserves his chance. He is young and improving and has place chances in the race."Kauto Star, the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and runner-up last year, has been installed as favourite after stablemate Denman's defeat at Kempton.Kauto Star reinforced his own claims with a third straight win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, while another Paul Nicholls runner, Neptune Collonges, who handed the trainer a 1-2-3 in the Gold Cup 12 months ago, is third favourite.606: DEBATEI fancy Neptune Collonges for the Gold Cuptj_hammerMadison du Berlais, who won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November, will be ridden by Tom Scudamore, who will try to achieve what his famous father and Martin Pipe stalwart Peter never did - win a Gold Cup."This will be my fourth ride in the race, and up to now I have been having a good view of things (of the finish) from the top of the hill," said Scudamore."So it is great to be going there on a horse with a real live chance. We will see if his run when beating Denman was a true performance, but it was a tremendous performance on the day anyway."He has done us proud. I am really looking forward to it. He has won on good and soft ground, over all sorts of distances and goes left and right-handed."I don't know if I will have a sit on him again beforehand. I will leave that to Mr Pipe and the team. They have done a great job with the horse at home - he is in very good form." McCoy quest for landmark delayed
Tony McCoy rode Stradbrook to victory at Wincanton for win number 2,998Tony McCoy's quest to ride 3,000 winners over jumps has been put on hold after Chepstow's Friday meeting was abandoned because of a sodden track.McCoy edged to 2,998 winners with victory onboard Jonjo O'Neill's Stradbrook at Wincanton on Thursday and was poised for three rides at Chepstow.Weather permitting, he could sew up the record at either Sandown or Doncaster on Saturday.The Irishman, 34, has been champion jockey for 13 straight seasons.The win on Stradbrook - McCoy's only scheduled ride of the day - came after a tense finish as the 3-1 favourite edged out Oiseau De Nuit and Tender Falcon."I don't think he really got up the hill at Cheltenham last time and he really battled," he said."He was in front and then was headed and I'd swear he only got his head back in front on the line."BendigoMcCoy previously admitted he was frustrated not to be able to close in on the mark on Wednesday at Leicester."It would have been nice to have done it (on Wednesday) because JP McManus is my boss and has been very loyal to me. He has been a great man to work for," said McCoy."I would really like to do it in his colours, if at all possible."After securing a double at Kempton on Monday, the champion jockey was unsuccessful with two rides at Taunton on Tuesday where Jokers Legacy finished second, while Larks Lad was pulled up. Kauto Star eyes King George glory
Kauto Star won his previous King George's by eight and 11 lengthsPaul Nicholls' Kauto Star heads a field of 11 for the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.The 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is bidding to become the second horse, after Desert Orchid (1988-90), to win the Christmas race three years running.War Of Attrition has withdrawn, opting for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.But Old Vic and Exotic Dancer, who were second and third last year, go again, while Voy Por Ustedes steps up to three miles for the first time.Voy Por Ustedes is a former Queen Mother Champion Chase winner and, like Exotic Dancer, is owned by Sir Robert Ogden.Supplementary entry Snoopy Loopy, who took advantage of a dramatic final-fence exit by Kauto Star to take the Betfair Chase, represents Peter Bowen.Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.Completing the line-up are Air Force One, Briareus and Mont Misere.
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