McCoy Cautious Over World Rule

Tony McCoy is still on weather-watch ahead of Black Jack Ketchum's engagement in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle on Thursday.

The previously unbeaten eight-year-old got stuck in the mud on his last start when pitched into top-class company for the first time.

But McCoy has not lost the faith and believes as long as the ground continues to dry up, Jonjo O'Neill's star will show his true colours.

'He's going well, I sat on him the other morning, but I would be happier if the ground dried out,' said McCoy.

'The ground is still very dead at Cheltenham according to the people I have spoken to.

'The only reason I can come up with for his last performance was the soft ground, and that's the reason why he might not even run in the World Hurdle.

'I want him to get back on the winning track and I'm not sure he'd do that on testing ground.'

Some pundits have questioned his desire for a fight, but McCoy does not agree.

'I think if you need to use the whip on any horse you should worry, but I don't think he has to win on the bridle, not at all,' he told At The Races.

'He rides like a very good horse so obviously I was disappointed when he got beaten last time.

'You can start picking holes in his form and crabbing the times now but beforehand no-one noticed any of that.

'Hopefully if he turns up at Cheltenham he will prove himself.'

(C) PA Sport