McCoy snapped up to partner Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach was sent off 100-30 favourite for last year’s contest but blundered and unseated Ruby Walsh at the second fence.
This year he will have the assistance of champion jockey McCoy, who has never ridden the horse, but was the choice of owner Graham Roach, who said: “It was just unfortunate last year. He hasn’t made that mistake before or after. He is well in himself and we’ve booked McCoy. It was my choice. At the business end of the race you just want a bit of maturity. You have to give the horse the best chance.”
McCoy will be bidding for his third win in the race in the last six years, with Free World also entered by trainer Paul Nicholls in the race.
Nigel Twiston-Davies is likely to have three runners in Saturday’s race.
The Naunton trainer left in Razor Royale, Crescent Island and Beat The Boys at the five-day stage and reports his trio to be on course for the valuable handicap chase.
Razor Royale took the prize 12 months ago, while Crescent Island returned from a 22-month absence with a victory at Wetherby three weeks ago.
Beat The Boys staked his claim when runner-up to Eric’s Charm at Sandown earlier this month.
“We are having a look at the race, but all three are likely runners at this stage,” said Twiston-Davies.
* BIG FELLA THANKS is likely to have one more run before a third crack at the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.
Trainer Ferdy Murphy was delighted with the nine-year-old’s fourth place behind Riverside Theatre in the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday and plans to give him an outing at Newbury on Saturday week.
“We were absolutely over the moon with Big Fella Thanks on Saturday – he ran an absolute blinder,” said Murphy. “Even better, he has come out of the race incredible. He was a handful on Monday morning – really fresh and really well – so we are delighted with him.
