McCoy quick off mark on comeback
Champion jump jockey Tony McCoy was back with a bang and in ‘business as usual’ mood at Fontwell today after being sidelined by injury for two months.
The record-breaking rider, who broke his right arm in a fall at Worcester on June 18, hit the winning trail on his first mount back – Flying Spirit, trained by Brighton handler Gary Moore, in the Saltwell Signs Novices’ Hurdle.
The partnership pulled clear coming out of the back straight to score by 13 lengths at 9-4, beating the 1-2 favourite Chivite, ridden by McCoy’s main rival Richard Johnson.
McCoy’s other ride of the day, Enitsag for his boss Martin Pipe, proved hard work and had to settle for a well-beaten third place in the Donatello Pizzeria Ristorante Brighton Selling Hurdle behind Doberman and Governor Daniel.
The champion said after his day’s work: “I was nervous, like a lad who was having his first ride, but I soon warmed to it.
“It means a lot to me, the reception the public gave me after that first win back. Punters and fans are the people who keep us going.
“It has been tough while I have been off, but I managed to cope by not watching racing on TV, which would have upset me, not being able to compete.
“Mr Pipe’s stable has been a bit quiet during my break, too, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that he has gone at the game!”
He added: “My arm feels 100% now and although I have foregone the dream of 300 winners this season now, I must emphasise that I will be going everywhere for winning rides as usual – that is in my make-up.
“If I have to flog all the way to Perth for just one ride, that is where I will be.”
Moore, after providing McCoy with his winner, said: “I got Flying Spirit out of a Brighton seller after he had been with Mark Tompkins.
“Tony has had lots of winners for me. He rode his first big one – Warm Spell in the Lanzarote Hurdle – for our stable. He is not only a genius, he is also very lucky for me, too.”
McCoy is back at Worcester tomorrow and gave a hint that Lorenzino could be another winner for him in the two-and-a- half-mile handicap hurdle.
“I have ridden more winners than losers for the trainer Jonjo O’Neill and I hope it stays that way,” he said.
“Today Gary’s son Jamie Moore was jocked off by me on Flying Spirit, but Jamie is set to become top conditional jockey this term, so he will get over that minor disappointment.”
Johnson, who was leading the jockeys’ championship table by 18 from McCoy at the start of the day, said before the action began: “It is good to have Tony back. He looks as trim as ever and even fitter than ever.
“I know how it feels to be where he has been. I’ve had my share of injuries, too. I have no doubt he will be back riding lots of winners and I expect Martin Pipe will be getting some decent horses ready for him soon.
“My lead will probably give him something to think about for around 10 days!”
