McCoy over the moon with Galway Plate victory

Wearing the Grand National-winning colours of JP McManus, McCoy was at his strongest to take the valuable handicap chase at odds of 22-1.

McCoy came in for the ride after his original mount, Dancing Tornado, was a late withdrawal. He got the verdict on Tom Taaffe's charge by half a length.

Majestic Concorde, the 3-1 favourite, finished third, while top-weight The Fonze ran a huge race in fourth.

McManus said: "I'm sure everybody likes to win this race. It's very special. You mark it out from 12 months in advance and hope you might gave one good enough to run in it. A few people asked me if I fancied him and I said, 'Have your fiver each-way, he'll give you a good run for your money'.

"But I didn't even have that on him myself. Nonetheless, I'm very, very happy. He's more than paid his way. Full marks to Tom, he had him looking tremendous. What do I have to say about the jockey? Tony is Tony. You have a bit of an edge when you have Tony with you."

Hampstead Heath refused to race and the first casualty of the contest was Grand Slam Hero, who was a faller at the first fence. Don't Be Bitin took a nasty tumble in the early stages as Lucky Wish made the running.

McCoy always had Finger Onthe Pulse near the pace, however, and took him into the lead some way out. A melee at the final fence cost several horses their chance but up front Taaffe's nine-year-old had to overcome the persistent challenge of Themoonandsixpence (7-1) to land the main race of the seven-day Festival in the West of Ireland.