Horse Racing

McCoy and Denman Get Into the Groove

Tony McCoy is set to ride Cheltenham Gold Cup co-favourite Denman at this Saturday’s (13th February) Aon Chase at Newbury. It will be the pair’s first and possibly only competition together, before they take on Kauto Star at Cheltenham on the 19th March.

While McCoy has a long-standing work partnership with trainer Jonjo O’Neill, this is not his first time on a Paul Nicholls-trained animal. Only on 6th February McCoy ran Nicholls’ charge Tchico Polos to second place at Sandown in the Grade 1 Totepool Challengers Novices’ Chase; performance which earned him the chance to go for the ride of his life in Cheltenham next month.

McCoy and Denman are sure to make an explosive team. With a rider being hailed as the finest jump jockey of all time, and an equine contender who has already proven his amazing ability on the track beyond a doubt – under the right conditions this twosome could write track history.

For punters keen to check out the chemistry between horse and rider before the big race, or curious onlookers interested in a preview for March’s action, the Newbury Aon Chase will provide an opportunity for just that. With Tricky Trickster, Denman’s stable mate at Nicholls’ training facility, thrown into the mix, as well as Nacarat, Niche Market, Siegemaster, Wee Robbie, Air Force One, Ollie Magern, and Oniz Tiptoes; this Saturday will surely deliver a worthy race.

The Aon Chase is not the only big race of the weekend – the schedule of events looks as follows:

Tickets for totesport Super Saturday can be pre-purchased online, costing £27 for the Premier Enclosure, £18 for the Grandstand Enclosure, and £7 for the Picnic Enclosure.

If you’re keen to put a wager on the Aon Chase and wondering who to punt on, the odds (as of 10th February 2010) look like:

Visit William Hill for any updates on these odds closer to this Saturday’s event.