Tony McCoy was out of luck with his two comeback rides at Sandown, but the champion jockey declared himself fighting fit ahead of next week’s Cheltenham Festival extravaganza.

Bookmakers Sunderlands have increased their sponsorship portfolio on Imperial Cup Day at Sandown Park on March 12, and will now support the whole card.

Polar Red is reported to be bang on course for Cheltenham on Thursday after his thrilling victory in Saturday’s Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown.