In his exclusive column, the National Hunt jockey and Betway ambassador welcomes former rival AP McCoy's knighthood
AP McCoy
It was so great to hear that AP is to be knighted in the New Year’s Honours list. It is the ultimate achievement and nobody deserves it more than him.
I don’t think there’s ever been anyone who has dominated a sport like he has for 20 years. Huge congratulations to him, the lads in the weighing room are going to have so much fun calling him Sir!
Christmas racing
Cue Card was such a hero in the King George, he showed so much guts to get the better of Vautour in the dying strides. I definitely think he has a good chance in the Gold Cup, he’s a different horse this season.
I thought Vautour was the one to take out of the race, though. He’d be pretty much unbeatable in the Ryanair. He has loads of speed and if Willie Mullins didn’t have so many stars, I’m sure he’d be considering dropping him back to two miles.
The Ryanair looks the obvious race for him, although I wouldn’t be surprised if he won next year’s King George. Horses relax more as they get older, so there’s every chance he’ll stay the trip better.
I was really impressed with No More Heroes again. He jumps and travels so well – he seems to have it all.
Cheltenham rides
Drumlee Sunset steps up in trip in the opener (12.10pm) and, as he’s won a point-to-point and a bumper, you’d think that will suit him.
It certainly seemed last time that he would appreciate a few more furlongs. His two completed runs this season have been very solid. I certainly haven’t lost faith in him and he should go there with a big chance.
I’ve ridden Beg To Differ (12.45pm) a couple of times this season and, although he hasn’t managed to win a novice chase yet, he should be competitive in handicaps. He has decent prospects for the future.
The pick of my rides tomorrow is Village Vic (1.55pm) who did so well here at the last meeting. Conditions should be fairly similar and he has a very good chance of following up.
He seems really well at home, Philip [Hobbs] couldn’t be happier with him and this really does look the perfect race for him.
He’s a horse that jumps and travels very well. He doesn’t have to make the running but we’ll definitely be positive with him.
So Fine (2.30pm) won at the last meeting, but that was a bit of a surprise. He’s a character and a tough horse who handles the track.
Philip’s horses are running well and, even though he’s a little quirky, if you go back to his best form he would have a chance.
I’m on One Of Us for Nick Williams in the last (3.40pm). He’s a shrewd trainer and wouldn’t be bringing one to Cheltenham unless he thought he had a fair chance.
Best Uttoxeter ride
They’ve had loads of rain at Uttoxeter and they’ve done really well to be racing today.
I’ve got a few rides and I’d say my best chance is Tearsofclewbay in the mares’ bumper (3.20pm). She’s been doing everything well at home, but you never know until you bring them to a racecourse.
Obviously she’s going to have to handle the heavy ground, but as she’s by Kayf Tara that hopefully won’t be a problem.
