McCoy lands JLT on Taquin

Jonjo O'Neill is dreaming of a tilt at next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup with Taquin Du Seuil after his star chaser devoured the famous hill to claim the JLT Novices' Chase under an inspired Tony McCoy.

McCoy was dumped on the Prestbury Park turf after a crunching fall from O'Neill's Goodwood Mirage late on Wednesday, but typically dusted himself down and was back in action later in the afternoon, and his pain was not evident during the race itself as he treated his adoring public to another power-packed finish.

The 7-1 chance looked to have his work cut out when front-running 33-1 shot Uxizandre, carrying the colours of McCoy's boss JP McManus, kicked for home rounding the home bend, but McCoy, looking to secure his first winner of this year's Festival, did not give up and mastered the outsider on the run-in by three-quarters of a length, much to the delight of the packed grandstands.

"I'm a bit gutted I beat my boss (McManus), but obviously delighted for Jonjo," said McCoy.

"I always had great faith in this horse."

Paddy Power make Taquin Du Seuil a 25-1 shot for next year's Gold Cup, and O'Neill would love a crack at the blue riband.

He said: "We think he's a good horse and he jumped well and got the race run to suit him today.

"I need to thank JP for letting Tony off to ride him for us and his horse ran a blinder, but we needed all of AP today.

"It should ease the pain in AP's back. The horse has won over a mile and seven (furlongs) on the Flat in France. You don't know until you run them over it, but if he does get the (Gold Cup) trip he's a proper horse."