Champion jockey Tony McCoy faces a week off early in the New Year after being hit with a five-day suspension for improper riding at Cheltenham today.

“Faugh-A-Ballagh”

French ace Baracouda could be the star of the show at Ascot’s Christmas meeting next week.

HENRIETTA KNIGHT has reported Best Mate “60 per cent likely” to go for the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Champion jockey Tony McCoy, who made a successful return from injury on Deano’s Beeno at Ascot yesterday, has chosen to ride Iris Bleu in Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

DEANO’S BEENO proved that there is no substitute for hard work as he took centre stage at Ascot yesterday with a battling victory in the Cantor Sport Long Walk Hurdle.

Cyfor Malta could be the surprise package in the Scottish National on April 20, a race in which champion trainer Martin Pipe has 12 possibles.