Tony McCoy has been been give trainer Donald McCain’s backing as he bids to reach the landmark of 3,000 winners at Carlisle today – if the meeting beats the weather.
McCoy has been stuck on 2,998 since last Thursday, when he won on his only mount of the day, Stradbrook, at Wincanton.
He drew a blank from his two rides at Sandown on Saturday and both of his rides at Fontwell on Sunday were also wide of the mark.
With Southwell cancelled because of the snow on Monday, the roadshow now moves on to Carlisle, where he is booked on two rides for Jonjo O’Neill and two for Donald McCain.
However, there is a morning inspection at Carlisle with the threat of frost putting the meeting in doubt.
Should it go ahead, Twilight Eagle would be McCoy’s first mount in the ’Cheltenham Preview Evening 5th March’ Novices’ Handicap Chase for O’Neill and the six-year-old would look to hold some sort of a chance.
Then it is the two rides for McCain, Cromwell Court and Huckleberry, and the trainer thinks they both have strong claims.
“It would be great if he could break the record on one of ours. I’m a big fan of his, he’s great for the sport and it would be nice to help him along the way,” said McCain.
“Jason Maguire is suspended at the minute and I book Tony when I can. Obviously you are not going to book the champion jockey for no-hopers.
“Cromwell Court won well the last day and he’s probably a bit better going right-handed too, and a stiff two miles will suit. I hope he’s going there with a real chance.
“Huckleberry spat the dummy out last time when he pulled up. He’s run well over this trip at Carlisle before and he jumps and stays. He would have a squeak.”
McCoy finishes for the day on Johns Square, but with a bit of luck the milestone may already have been reached by then – if the meeting takes place at all.