McCoy weighs in

Tony McCoy's strenuous efforts to hone his frame to 10st proved more than worthwhile as Tamarindo laid down his claims for the Coral Welsh National at Cheltenham. The champion was riding at the minimum for only the second time this season and an extra slice of toast for breakfast could have tipped the scales against Tamarindo in the C F Roberts Handicap Chase.

The 11 to 4 favourite had looked set to win easily but his stride shortened dramatically on the run-in and he had just over a length to spare over the rallying Macgeorge.

"It was tough to get the weight down. I actually have to get down to 9st 10lb to be able to go to scales at 10st," said McCoy who has become an expert on racecourse sauna rooms. "Earlier in the year my weight was something like 11st 1lb."

Winning trainer Martin Pipe said: "This was another remarkable performance by Tony. It just shows how dedicated he is to be able to get down to 10st. Remember, he hasn't been back long after suspension."

Tamarindo is quoted at 7 to 2 favourite by the sponsors for the Coral Welsh National. But Pipe, a winner of the race five times previously, also has Dom Samourai, quoted at 4 to 1, and 8 to 1 chance Eudipe.

Not all observers are convinced that Tamarindo has the right credentials for the three miles five furlong test at Chepstow on December 28th.

Tamarindo collects an 8lb penalty for the Welsh National taking his weight to 10st 3lb, and Pipe was unwilling to confirm Tamarindo a definite runner at Chepstow.

Big disappointments were Cool Dawn and Seven Towers, who were pulled up when well out of connection. Cool Dawn has now failed to complete three times in four outings since his triumph in last March's Gold Cup.

David Nicholson and Adrian Maguire enjoyed a good day's work as they combined for victories with Spendid and Tiutchev.

Spendid is still not a fluent jumper of fences but is learning all the time. He was ultimately a convincing conqueror of Derrymore Mist in the Fred and Mercy Rimell Novices' Chase.

Tiutchev appeared to have far more in hand than the official three-and-a-half length winning margin over Sir Talbot in the Chubb Fire Handicap Hurdle.

Barry Fenton rode a nicely-judged race from the front to land the spoils on the favourite Brave Tornado in the Stakis Casinos Handicap Hurdle.

But there was a sting in the tail for the jockey. He was handed a two-day whip ban (December 21st-22nd) for hitting the horse in the wrong place.