McCoy makes his mind up and chooses Grand National ride
Published:Champion jockey AP McCoy has finally delivered the news that many of us had been waiting for, with the announcement that he’ll ride Colbert Station in this year’s Grand National.
The Ted Walsh-trained 9/1 shot will make his debut in the world’s greatest steeplechase although the confirmation that McCoy will be in the saddle should go some way to eradicating any fears that he might be too inexperienced.
Make no mistake though, Colbert Station is rightly fancied regardless of his jockey’s backing.
Landing the £98,000 Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown last December was a massive fillip for all of the nine-year-old’s connections, a feat achieved with relative ease.
Aside from that impressive five-and-a-half-length score, one of the market leaders has plenty in his favour, especially for fans of recent trends.
The 10 previous National winners had all registered victories over 3m and had won a chase worth at last £17,000.
That’s two boxes ticked as McCoy bids to secure a second renewal prize.
Will he rue the decision not to ride last year’s runner-up, the 14/1 priced Sunnyhillboy?
He swerved the option of taking on JP McManus’ other chance 12 months ago and having been raised 10lb for the upcoming running, it’s perhaps unsurprising he’s done so again.
The more progressive Colbert Station may have made only five starts over fences, however his strength when it matters has seen him cross the line in front on his previous two outings.
McCoy was onboard for both of those wins and his charge has a strong case for being the 17th winner in 23 years to secure Grand National honours having started in the top-eight of the betting.
With Irish-trained horses also winning six of the last 14 contests, the omens are starting to look good for an entrant whose price could yet fall further in the lead-up to the main event.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
