Happy return to Ayr for AP

TONY MCCOY is an infrequent visitor to Ayr and made the trip worthwhile when he bagged a near 121-1 treble.

McCoy, who is remarkably going for his 18th consecutive jockeys’ championship, kicked off on Lucinda Russell’s Tap Night (4-9 Fav) in the 2m novices’ chase.

He then went on to team up on Jimmy Lamb’s winners.

McCoy was seen at his strongest on the pair holding on by a short head on Forestside (16-1) in the handicap hurdle and got up by half a length in the 2m handicap hurdle on Seader (4-1).

Lucinda was in treble form herself and had already scored with Green Flag (5-6 Fav) in the opening novices’ hurdle romping to a 10l success under Peter Buchanan.

The pair waisted no time in doubling up when Imjoeking (7-2) took the 2m maiden hurdle by threeand-a-half lengths.

Lucinda said after Tap Night’s success: “I was really pleased.

“He was a bit novicey at a couple but he jumped well in the main and he was entitled to win it off his mark.

“I like the way he quickened up, AP (McCoy) was quite happy so it’s all good news.

“I’m not too sure what we’ll do about the distance, whether we go up to two and a half or stick at two miles.

“He’s certainly got plenty of pace and I was quite pleased with how he handled the really soft ground.

“He’s a cracking little horse to have, he’s game and AP was pleased with his attitude — he said he’s very genuine.

“It’s lovely that JP McManus has horses up here and that he’ll be watching races at Ayr and I just hope he continues to be successful.”

McCoy had to settle for three winners for the day as Shadow Boxer (11-4f) prevailed in the concluding 3m1f handicap chase for Donald Whillans and ridden by his son Callum.

With more rain forecast there is an inspection called for 7.30 this morning before today’s meeting can go ahead but course officials are optimistic of getting the go-ahead.