McCoy within two of 4,000 winner milestone
A double at Kempton courtesy of Captain Cutter and Foundation Man left McCoy on 3,998 career winners over jumps – and two successes at Exeter would see him reach the magical 4,000 at the track that saw him register his first British winner back in September 7, 1994, on the Gordon Edwards-trained Chickabiddy
Captain Cutter survived a less-than-fluent round of jumping to ultimately run out a comfortable winner of the Weatherbys Bank Foreign Exchange “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s Punchestown bumper runner-up was the 4-11 favourite for his debut over timber and moved sweetly enough in the hands of the 18-times champion.
There was a slight moment of concern for his supporters as the six-year-old made a mistake four flights from home and he was also less than convincing at the final obstacle, but his class advantage was clear as he came home 10 lengths clear of Fine Words.
Talking about Captain Cutter’s mistake four flights from the finish, McCoy said: “When he jumped, he almost caught his head. It could have been worse. He could have knuckled over, but thankfully he didn’t.
“With the price that he went off at, he won the way he should have.
“He is a nice type of horse, he needs to brush up on his jumping and needs a bit of experience.
“He has started off well. I’m not sure he is the easiest horse to ride, but hopefully he will be (in time), all being well.”
McCoy added to his tally with his final ride from three on the card as 11-10 favourite Foundation Man claimed victory in the Weatherbys Bank Foreign Exchange Handicap Chase. Jonjo O’Neill’s charge received a reminder from McCoy down the back straight, but mastered Lemon’s Gent from the home turn and had the race in safe keeping jumping the second-last.
