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.

His stable companion Captain Conan was also going well for Barry Geraghty and the two of them quickly put distance between themselves and the rest of the field.

Darlan was beginning to win the argument heading towards the final flight and he got away from it well on his way to a three-and-three-quarter-length win.

Captain Conan was second to enhance Henderson's bid to be crowned champion trainer, with Prospect Wells, trained by Henderson's rival Paul Nicholls, back in third.