McCoy has high hopes for Cheltenham

TONY McCOY believes his book of rides at next month’s Cheltenham Festival is shaping up to be the strongest he has had for some time.

As well as getting the leg-up on Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Brave Inca, McCoy will head to Prestbury Park in the knowledge that he has at least five other leading chances.

Royal & SunAlliance Chase favourite Darkness, Irish Independent Arkle Trophy hopeful Foreman, Fota Island in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Refinement in the SunAlliance Hurdle as well as Black Jack Ketchum and Iris’s Gift are all set to have the assistance of the champion.