Jollyallan is first up for McCoy finale

CHAMPION jockey AP McCoy will kick off his final Cheltenham Festival by riding Harry Fry’s Jollyallan in tomorrow’s Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, confirmed the retiring rider would partner the 6-1 shot, not Willie Mullinstrained Alvissio Ville. Berry said: ‘Jollyallan’s jumping has been a bit awkward but he was a lot better at Sandown last time. Harry is pleased.’ With Rock On Ruby out of Thursday’s World Hurdle, Jollyallan is one of Fry’s top chances of the week. McCoy’s rides on the first day of the Festival also include reigning champion Jezki in the Champion Hurdle. But there is no mount in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle after McCoy’s prospective ride, Irish-trained Little King Robin, was not among the 16 declarations headed by Mullins-trained odds-on favourite Annie Power. Meanwhile, final jockey plans for the eight-runner Champion Hurdle fell into place when Danny Mullins was booked for Willie Mullins’ third string Artic Fire. Paul Townend rides dual champion Hurricane Fly after stable jockey Ruby Walsh opted to ride favourite Faugheen. Elsewhere, Mick Channon-trained Sgt Reckless, who has only run in one steeplechase, will take his chance in tomorrow’s Arkle Chase.

TRAINER Robin Dickin says tomorrow’s Chaps Barbados Restaurant Novices’ Chase is ‘Plan A’ for Thomas Crapper. The gelding is also entered in Friday’s Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle after finishing second last year. Thomas Crapper is 8-1 for the race with Hills.