World-famous jump jockey and 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner AP McCoy made a special visit to Cookstown this week where he tipped Bobs Worth to win the 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup. The event, organised by McLean’s Bookmakers, saw fans get an opportunity to meet and quiz the Moneyglass rider about his success at last year’s Festival of Racing, his stellar career and his tips for this year’s racing ahead of the start of Cheltenham on 12th March.

When asked for his favourite for the Gold Cup, McCoy told the crowd: “No matter how good you are or how good your horse is, you need a lot of luck to be successful at Cheltenham – especially in the Gold Cup.

“The Cup is the highlight of the Festival, and for this year’s event, it’s hard to look past Bobs Worth. He’ll have some tough competition with Sir Des Champs, but I think Bobs Worth will go all the way and win the Gold Cup.

“One horse that is worth a look, however, is Long Run. I don’t have a ride in this year’s Gold Cup, but if I did, I’d love to ride Long Run. He won the King George, where he really battled on to the end.

"He stays; he doesn’t really have many flaws in his form. If you said to me ‘I want a horse that's going to finish in the first three in the Gold Cup’, I'd pick Long Run."

Commenting on the Arkle Chase, McCoy said: “Simonsig is my favourite for the Arkle Chase. He was a good winner at Cheltenham last year and he’s been terrific over fences this year. “If the ground is dry, and it looks like it will be because we’ve not had much rain in the past few weeks, then Overturn will give Simonsig plenty to think about so it’s worth keeping an eye on him too.”

McCoy on the Champion Hurdle: “I’m going for Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle. He’s a fantastic horse, winning 12 Grade One hurdles and he deserves to be the favourite. Of the others, Zarkandar could have a chance after a good showing in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

“With regards to Rock on Ruby, I’m not so sure about him. He’ll have to be better on Champion Hurdle day than he has been all year to be in with a chance. Binocular is a good shout at each way, particularly if the ground stays dry.

AP was joined by a panel of horse racing experts at the McLean’s event, including trainer Shark Hanlon, where they met over 300 fans and spoke for two hours about the world of top class professional horse racing.

Commenting on the opportunity to meet local fans, AP McCoy said: “It’s been great to give them some insight into what it’s like to compete at Cheltenham. It’s the sporting event of the year and one we all look forward to immensely, and I’ve enjoyed talking about the runners and riders at the event this evening.”

Paul McLean from McLean’s Bookmakers said: “The panel was a huge hit with the fans and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to offer punters an insight into the racing world from three men at the top of their game.

“AP wowed the crowd with stories from his hugely successful career – it’s not every day you get to spend a few hours in the company of a jockey who has ridden over 3,600 winners! It sets us all up nicely for Cheltenham and we’re looking forward to the Festival kicking off on Tuesday.”

EndsFor more information, contact the McLean’s PR team at Aiken PR on:shane@aikenpr.com / john@aikenpr.com / 02890663000