Inca lands brave victory in Champion Hurdle
This was McCoy at his awesome best, riding the type of race about which most mortals can only dream.
He lobbed along on Brave Inca, upsides Bob What, for the early part of the contest, making no effort to set a spanking gallop.
They were tactics destined to succeed. Heavily-backed odds-on Harchibald would have been far better suited by a stronger pace and never really settled in behind for Paul Carberry.
“There was no point setting it up for anyone”', explained delighted winning trainer, Colm Murphy, who has watched his horse run a series of fine races through the campaign, without winning.
Four from home came the first signs McCoy was about to do something different. Brave Inca flew the flight and, suddenly, the race was on.
McCoy wasted no time, urging and cajoling Brave Inca to give more and more. Macs Joy and Harchibald were travelling much better than the winner off the home turn.
But this game is all about courage, about getting down and dirty. It's the type of language Brave Inca understands so well. In the real McCoy he had the perfect partner.
A few strides before the last, Brave Inca was going to finish third. There was little or nothing between the principals rising to the obstacle, although you would have to say Harchibald landed marginally in front.
A couple of strides at the other side and the outcome was inevitable. Macs Joy was the first to crack and you just knew Harchibald wouldn't have the stomach when it came to a tussle.
And so it proved. Brave Inca, Hardy Eustace-style, fought like a tiger and was a head to the good over Harchibald at the line with a further length to Macs Joy.
“He's a horse with a lot of class and isn't slow”', said McCoy. “I knew he would battle and I had a bit left. He's a tough horse and there is no reason why he cannot win a Champion Hurdle.”
Commented Murphy: “Tony said he would wind it up from half a mile out. Brave Inca is off now for a good field of grass and so am I!”
Next season? “He will definitely be schooled over fences, but isn't far short of winning a Champion Hurdle. No decision will be made for a while.”
Many, among them press-room colleagues, argued that Carberry came far too early on Harchibald. It is an argument which is easily made.
But one has to counter immediately - what's the right way to ride Harchibald? Like all bridle horses, you really do pay your money and take your chance!
One's thoughts drifted back to Dawn Run, watching Asian Maze produce yet another extraordinary display in the Mennolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle.
In the care of Tom Mullins, his father Paddy, of course, trained Dawn Run, the daughter of Anshan ran her rivals ragged.
She set a scorching pace, never allowed the opposition a moments respite and strode majestically clear from the third last to score by an unflattering five lengths.
“I was a little concerned before the race”, said Mullins. “She cut her nose coming up in the lorry and that's the first time she has acted that way.
“I was afraid she might be coming in season, but was happy watching her walking round the ring. She is finished now and whether she comes back over fences next season is for another day.”
Pay It Forward, waiting on an improved surface, gave Jessica Harrington a change of luck when winning the betfair.com Novice Handicap Chase.
He did the business with plenty in hand, easing ahead for Robert Power after the third last to easily beat Scottish Grand National hero, Joes Edge, who ran a cracker off top weight.
“The change in ground made all the difference”, reported Harrington. “He might go to Market Rasen next and then be prepared for the Galway Plate.”
Arthur Moore saddled his first ever winner over the banks when Well Tutored took the DNG Nationwide Ladies Cup.
Partnered by his son, John Daniel, Well Tutored made every yard of the running, shooting clear early in the straight.
“He took to them really well”, said Moore, recalling that he never actually rode over the banks himself.
“I was asked one day to ride a horse, but turned it down. I had three good rides and was afraid of getting injured.
“John Fowler rode instead and the horse bolted in. My three all finished second!”
Northumberland handler, Vicky Scott, paying her visit to Punchestown, took the visitors' tally for the week to five when Snoopy Loopy won the Opel Novice Hurdle.
Paddy Flood drove him past the flattering The Railway Man half way up the run in to score by two and a half lengths.
“It's been a great trip over and this horse has done me proud”, said Ms Scott, who has held a licence for just two years.
Champion jockey-elect, the championship finishes today, Ruby Walsh gave Frances Crowley's Monterey Bay the full treatment to win the Flogas Ireland Handicap Chase.
Walsh sent his charge for glory over the second last and Monterey Bay was always holding Osiris on the run in.
The attendance yesterday was 25,092.
