Bounce Back lands Attheraces Gold Cup

Tony McCoy claimed a thrilling victory on Martin Pipe's Bounce Back over stable companion Dark Stranger in the inaugural running of the Attheraces Gold Cup.

The champion jockey rode a patient race on the 14-1 chance as the game Dark Stranger set out to make the running in the extended three-mile-five-furlong contest.

As the field went on to the far side for the final time the fancied horses Carbury Cross, Beau and Ad Hoc were all on the heels of the leader with McCoy content to bide his time on the winner.

Once in line for home with three left to jump Bounce Back was asked to go after Dark Stranger and the flashy chestnut answered his rider's calls as the rest of the challengers fell away.

It was soon clear that Bounce Back was going the better and once McCoy let out an inch of rein at the second last the race was quickly over as they strode clear to collect the £72,500 first prize by eight lengths.

The runner-up, a 66-1 chance, was given a great ride by 5lb claimer David Howard.

The 11-4 favourite Frenchman's Creek 11 lengths away in third with last year's winner, when the race was known as the Whitbread, Ad Hoc (13-2) back in fourth.

Pipe said: "Fantastic. It was a great chase. It was a fantastic race and Tony gave him a great ride."

And McCoy added: "He travelled and jumped well all the way. I've been a little bit disappointed with him this season, but coming here today I sort of half thought he's the one horse that's definitely got the ability."