McCoy out of luck on Southwell return
Tony McCoy was out of luck on his first ride when he returned to the bread and butter of jumps racing at Southwell.
The Grand National-winning jockey arrived in style by helicopter from trainer Jonjo O’Neill’s yard after the homecoming of Aintree hero Don’t Push It.
But he could not fly to victory. Despite wearing the same colours of owner JP McManus, Saturday’s big-race success did not rub off on Not A Bob, who was unplaced in division of the Ashfield Chad Maiden Hurdle.
The lightly-raced five-year-old was in mid-division for most of the extended two-and-a-half-mile contest but failed to find the pace to mount a challenge and finished unplaced behind Nualto.
The 11-4 chance, ridden by Robert Thornton and trained by Alan King, led between the last two flights and romped home by 12 lengths from the 5-4 favourite Horseshoe Reef.
McCoy was soon back in the winner's enclosure, however, thanks to an effortless success on Aberdale in the second division of the maiden hurdle.
The champion always had the Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding up with the pace before taking a clear lead over a mile out.
The result was in little doubt after that and McCoy could even afford several glances behind as he swept to victory on the O’Neill-trained 8-11 favourite by 15 lengths from the strong-finishing Mr Moonshine.
