McCoy's 3,000th career victory must wait at least another day

Published on 31/01/2009 18:46

TONY McCoy is still two short of riding 3,000 winners after failing in his two rides at Sandown yesterday – now the bandwagon goes to Fontwell today as he aims to reach his landmark.

His first mount, Eric's Charm, was beaten into second in the totesport.com Masters Handicap Chase by Can't Buy Time, who ironically is owned by his employer JP McManus.

As McCoy was unable to do the weight on Can't Buy Time, it was 7lb claimer Richard McLernon who took the ride on the Jonjo O'Neill-trained gelding and who took the honours in the run-in after McCoy had led for most of the three miles.

The McManus colours then failed to bring McCoy better luck as he could only finish fifth on the O'Neill-trained Good Company in the totesport 0800 221 221 Handicap Chase.

Musselburgh's big jumps meeting of the year will dominate events today, unless McCoy gets his 3,000th winner.

Kalahari King is one of the favourites to win the Arkle at Cheltenham in March, and should win the John Smith's Extra Smooth Novices' Chase. In the feature race at 3.30pm, the 35,000 John Smith's Scottish County Hurdle, Howard Johnson's Gringo could run a big race.

Next Saturday, Ayr stages a Valentine's Day meeting a week early with 57,500 in prizes, and red roses for the first 100 female racegoers.