McCoy to take Spanish mini holiday

Tony McCoy intends taking a well-earned break in the sunshine next week to recharge his batteries for the big Grand National next month.

After partnering Venetia Williams` Noisetine to a comfortable 12-length success over Dame Fonteyn in the Wincanton Four Weddings Mares Only Novices Hurdle at the Somerset venue the champion jockey revealed his plans.

He said: 'I`m off to Marbella on Sunday for a few restful days in the sun. I will only miss Newcastle and Kelso on Monday and Tuesday when I would not have had much chance of any rides anyway but I will be back for Exeter next Thursday.

'I`m actually looking forward to the little holiday as it will give me a nice break and hopefully I will return with all guns blazing for the run up to the National meeting.'

McCoy, whose three days at the Cheltenham Festival last week were severely blighted by the death of Champion Hurdle hope Valiramix on the opening day took a swipe at those who have been critical of him since.

He commented: 'I`m going away to have a chat with myself as some have said or hinted I should, but, unfortunately I`m going with Mick Fitzgerald so I`ll be lucky to get a word in edgeways in any case!'

McCoy, who now needs only another five winners to break Sir Gordon Richards` record of 269 in a season, denied the mini holiday would stop him gaining his long-term aim of 300 winners this term.

He said: 'Obviously its going to make things a little bit more difficult but there are still 30 days to go this season and a fair bit of racing so I`m definitely not ruling it out.

'However, having said that, Noisetine has been my first winner since last Friday when I won on Running Times because Mr Pipe has not been having many runners but I`m hopeful all that will change later next week.'