McCoy strikes in Aintree opener

Supreme Novices' Hurdle runner-up Darlan went one place better under Tony McCoy in the Tangle Teezer Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree this afternoon.

Nicky Henderson's five-year-old was sent off the 7-4 favourite on the strength of his excellent Cheltenham run behind Cinders And Ashes and he travelled powerfully into the straight under the champion jockey.