McCoy draws another blank

TONY McCOY was out of luck with his three rides at Stratford yesterday as he continues to chase down 4,000 National Hunt winners.

A double at Ffos Las on Tuesday left the champion jockey nine winners away from the incredible milestone, but he was unable to add to his tally at Wednesday afternoon's Carlisle fixture.

The best of his three rides in Warwickshire appeared to be the Nicky Henderson-trained Snake Eyes, but he proved hugely disappointing in the EBF Stallions 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

Sent off the 2/5 favourite, it was clear a long way from home odds-on backers were going to be counting the cost as he looked none to keen as he left the back straight.

The five-year-old found little under pressure and came home a well-beaten fourth behind 7/2 shot Irish Cavalier, ridden by McCoy's great friend and rival, Richard Johnson. Half an hour later McCoy jumped aboard Jonjo O'Neill's Very Stylish (15/2), but he trailed home a distant sixth in the John Smith's Handicap Chase, with victory going to 5/1 chance Danandy.

McCoy's final ride of the day was on Bob Keown for Rebecca Curtis, but the 7/2 shot was unable to land a significant blow in the concluding Jenkinsons Caterers Maiden Hurdle, coming home fourth behind runaway winner Andy Kelly (9/4 favourite).

McCoy was on the 3,991-winner mark as he heads to Northern Ireland for two rides at Down Royal today.

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