McCoy four short of magic milestone
The 18-times champion jockey had been out of luck with two previous rides at the Cumbria circuit, but made no mistake in the Mr & Mrs Handley Ruby Wedding Novices’ Hurdle.
Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, the recent Huntingdon scorer (5-4 favourite) jumped into the lead after the second-last and swiftly exerted full authority over runner-up Deputy Dan, who was a length and three-quarters down at the line.
Oscar Fortune’s part-owner, Richard Seed, said: “Eventually he’s going to be a three-mile chaser, we hope.
“He won a point-to-point in heavy ground. We didn’t know if he’d be quick enough to win a bumper, but he did.
“This is his minimum trip really, but Carlisle is a stiff track with an uphill finish and he came home well.
“Tony said when he asked him, he quickened well.
“It will be up to Jonjo where he goes next, but my personal opinion is he’s worth a chance (in better company).”
