MCCOY STAYS AHEAD IN JOCKEY`S TITLE RACE

Tony McCoy continued his relentless progress at the head of the jockeys` title race with a 17-1 treble at Doncaster today.

His three winners, all for his boss Martin Pipe, took him to the 158-mark for the campaign, 28 clear of his nearest rival Richard Johnson.

Wahiba Sands got the ball rolling when breaking his duck over fences with a comfortable success in the Doncaster Racecourse Sponsorship Club Novices` Chase.

Racing in second behind early leader Wellie, the former top-class hurdler jumped to the front six out.

The 2-5 favourite was not fluent over the next but drew clear up the straight and beat For More by 22 lengths.

McCoy was seen at his strongest aboard Blowing Wind who defied top weight in the Harworth Handicap Chase.

The 7-2 joint-favourite came off the bridle a mile out but the champion jockey kept persevering and had his mount travelling sweetly turning for home.

Blowing Wind led two out but was quickly challenged by Banker Count who had overcome some indifferent jumping to reach the firing line.

Banker Count dived at the last, bumping the winner, and try as jockey Richard McGrath might, he could not pass Blowing Wind who scored by a head under a typical McCoy drive.

It Takes Time made it two out of two over timber in the Cusworth Novices` Hurdle to complete the treble.

Anchored at the back of the field during the first half of the race, the 15-8 favourite made smooth headway to lead three out and beat Avec Plaisir by six lengths.

Europa produced a hugely impressive performance to win the EBF `National Hunt` Novices` Hurdle.

Making his debut over hurdles, the 15-8 favourite was settled off the pace by Russ Garritty before closing on the leaders on the final bend.

Skipping clear from the third last, Tom Tate`s charge put daylight between himself and his rivals in effortless fashion, passing the post 24 lengths clear of Springhill.

The five-year-old has notbeen entered for Cheltenham as connections are already looking forward to his chasing career.

Robert Thornton earned his riding fee aboard Mighty Kilcash, winner of the Sandall Beat Novices` Handicap Chase.

Thornton was hard at work a long way from home aboard the top weight, an 8-1 chance.

But the eight-year-old stayed on dourly and galloped clear approaching three out to beat Colquhoun by 14 lengths.

McCoy was aboard the 13-8 favourite Micksie Palmer in the concluding bumper.

But he had to settle for second place in the Weatherbys `Stars Of Tomorrow` Standard Open NH Flat Race behind The Villager, who won by two and a half lengths for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and jockey Carl Llewellyn.

Robert Widger received a three-day ban for his ride aboard Tirley Storm.

The stewards found him guilty of using his whip when out of contention and banned him for February 5-7 inclusive. - PA