McCoy to ride Iris Bleu in National

Champion jockey Tony McCoy, who made a successful return from injury on Deano’s Beeno at Ascot yesterday, has chosen to ride Iris Bleu in Saturday’s Martell Cognac Grand National.

Speaking on BBC TV, McCoy explained why he had picked the seven-year-old and deserted Blowing Wind, on whom he has finished third in the last two years.

“I just think his form is a bit better,” said McCoy.

“He fell at the fifth fence in the National last year, which is a bit worrying, but he’s been in good form. He won well at Sandown and ran a great race behind Shotgun Willy at Haydock.

“Shotgun Willy’s about 6-1, and Ruby Walsh thinks he’s the best of the Paul Nicholls horses – so if Shotgun Willy’s got a good chance of winning then Iris Bleu can’t be far away.”