No Joy for McCoy
Champion jockey Tony McCoy made the long journey to Sedgefield but was out of luck and had to settle for the runner-up spot on both of two his mounts at the Durham venue.
His first ride of the day came in the first division of the Manning Elliott/All Point North Novices’ Hurdle where 1-2 favourite Wise Owl could only finish second behind John Forbes.
The 7-2 winner was quickly away in the hands of Tom Dreaper and was in front from an early stage in the two-mile-one-furlong contest.
The David Pipe-trained jolly loomed up as the field turned for home but he did not find as much as anticipated and John Forbes stayed on strongly to score by 16 lengths.
Wining handler Brian Ellison’s daughter and assistant Lorraine said: “He has been frustrating, but this his track and this is his grade.”
McCoy’s misery continued after his mount William John was caught by the late thrust of Neptune Joly in the second division.
The Ferdy Murphy-trained 15-2 victor was under pressure from some way out in the hands of Graham Lee and still had plenty to do turning into the straight.
William John appeared to have the race in the bag after a decent leap at the final flight but he got tired up the hill and Neptune Joly swept past to score by two and a half lengths.
Murphy said: “A young amateur ride called Nathan Moscrop has been doing some schooling on him and has worked wonders.”
Murphy and Lee went completed a double when Top Cloud followed up a Boxing Day course and distance win with victory in the Oakley For Mitsubishi Handicap Hurdle.
The 5-2 favourite was settled in midfield by Lee in the early stages, but was just being niggled along as the field turned for home.
Oscar The Boxer appeared to be travelling the stronger of the two approaching the second-last flight, but Top Cloud simply outstayed him on the run-in to score by six lengths.
Winning owner Trevor Hemmings also bred the six-year-old and Murphy said: “We’re just marking time with him as he will be a lovely chaser in time.”
Lankawi made the 281-mile journey north from Peter Bowen’s yard worthwhile when landing a gamble in the Gosforth Decorating And Building Services Beginners’ Chase.
The five-year-old, who was backed in from 8-1 to 5-1 before the off, made ground to join the leaders on the turn for home under Tom O’Brien and motored up the straight to beat Akilak by a decisive 12 lengths.
Donald McCain had three winners at Carlisle on Monday and continued his winning streak as Nevada Red put up a fine staying performance in the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Chase, while Venetia Williams’ Never So Blue landed the concluding gg.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
