McCoy snapped up to partner Fistral Beach

TONY McCOY will ride ante-post favourite Fistral Beach in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton on Saturday as the eight-year-old bids to improve on last season’s performance in the race.

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.”