Lineman scores for vintage McCoy

Wichita Lineman required a power packed ride from Tony McCoy to get up close home in the William Hill Trophy.

The 5/1f made a bad mistake on the first circuit and was in trouble from a long way out.

McCoy persisted with his mount however and he worked his way into contention at the last, surging home to snatch the spoils from Maljimar.

It was a second Festival success for Wichita Lineman, who won what is now the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle in 2007.

McCoy said: "Jonjo fancied him like mad - I'm glad the owner listened to him and not me.

"The trainer's got him absolutely spot on.

"I knew at the bottom of the hill at the second-last that I was close enough.

"I lost my pitch a little bit when he made a mistake on the first circuit.

"It's all down to the horse, not me."

O'Neill added: "That is what McCoy's all about - he was just magic, brilliant.

"The horse made a few mistakes during the race, which didn't help him.

"But when he got him running I knew when he gave him a kick at the top of the hill there was a bit in the tank.

"There was every chance they might come back to him a little bit.

"Even going to the last I thought he had too much to make up, really.

"Magic man, magic horse."