Mole aiming to give McCoy big send-off Tony McCoy's final ride in a Grade One race will come on Mr Mole in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday, for which seven runners, including Sprinter Sacre, were declared. While the rest of McCoy's rides on his final afternoon in the saddle remain somewhat up in the air, the mercurial Mr Mole will aim to give him one more top-level success to add to his incredible haul. Ironically, it was after riding Mr Mole to victory at Newbury in February that McCoy shocked the racing world by announcing his intention to quit riding. While many would love to see McCoy ride into the sunset on the back of another big winner, he will find it far from easy, not least with Sprinter Sacre in opposition. But having returned to action this season it has not gone to plan for Nicky Henderson's star. A thoroughly acceptable comeback run at Ascot preceded a dull run at Cheltenham and a similar display would surely leave connections with a decision to make regarding his future. He will be ridden in a race by Nico de Boinville for the first time as Barry Geraghty has failed to make it back from injury. De Boinville, currently battling to be crowned champion conditional, rides Sprinter Sacre in all of his home-work. Mick Channon's veteran Somersby has been as consistent as ever this season and nearly pulled off a huge shock at Cheltenham when second to Dodging Bullets. Just behind Somersby was Special Tiara, who will appreciate the good ground more than most for Henry de Bromhead. God's Own gave Un De Sceaux a fright in the Arkle and also went close at Aintree for Tom George. Two other novices, Vibrato Valtat and Court Minstrel, are also in the field.
