Masterful McCoy in sync as Synchronised wins Cheltenham Gold Cup

McCoy surges to the front as Synchronised wins
the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Earlier today Tony McCoy produced one of the best rides I have ever seen as he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup on board Jonjo O'Neill trained Synchronised. The 9-1 shot former Welsh national winner stormed to the front coming up the hill past the 50-1 outsider The Giant Bolster and 7/4 favourite Long Run to win by 2 and 1/4 lengths.

After a rather slow start Synchronised was in need in constant coaxing from McCoy who was working on the horse for the entire race. He settled at the rear as all eyes focused on the brief appearance of Kauto Star. However Synchronised always looked in trouble. With Kauto Star being pulled up the race opened up although Synchronised looked beaten as was flat to the boards four  furlongs from home however when the 2010 Sports Personality of the Year McCoy in in the saddle you can never write him off. Even Richard Hoiles, commentator on Racing UK, quoted that 'Synchronised again is just found wanting for pace'. Synchronised a notorious stayer was resilient as he battled his way into contention and once he came to the last in line there is no one better as a finisher then McCoy, you knew that if he got level he would win as he is so strong in the finish. Long Run had nothing as Synchronised glided past to earn a sensational win. Possibly the greatest jump-jockey of all time and year in year out McCoy proves why he deserves such a title. Champion Jockey 16 years in a row and looks a cert to make it 17 he really is the best. This this second Gold Cup McCoy seems to get better ever year as he looks forward to the chance of gaining a second Grand National next month. I am sure that any other jockey then McCoy would not have won this race with Synchronised. At no stage before the last fence did Synchronised look to have a chance. A truly magical day and incredible race at Cheltenham.

Synchronised now looks set for the Grand National in April.

All week the talk of Cheltenham has been about the Gold Cup and the battle between the great Kauto Star and last years winner Long Run. However it was a miserable day for them both. Long Run was found wanting again however the saddest part of the day was the pulling up of the great Kauto Star. Kauto started well however began to drop back and before long it become clear that he was in real trouble. As he trudged off the huge Cheltenham crowd cheered the great horse. Personally I blame Trainer Paul Nicholls for this. Two weeks ago the said he was a doubt. Now it was clear he was not fit. Therefore why was he run? I know it is the Gold Cup however people have backed that horse. The bookmakers have taken in thousands on that horse. It is completely unfair as these people have been misled into thinking he was ready to run. I hope that he does not retire and that this horse will be seen again as he has proved earlier this year just how good he really is. (Check out the entire Gold Cup race in full below)

It has been an absolutely incredible week at Cheltenham with the standard of races being very high every single day. Some outstanding performances from the likes of the Big Bucks, Rock on Ruby, Quevega ,Salsify and 40-1 outsider Une Artiste to name bit a few. The week had it all. Barry Geraghy was the top jockey with 5 wins including Finians Rainbow and Riverside Theatre and Nicky Henderson becomes the most successful trainer with 44 Cheltenham Festival wins.

Hope you had some winners this week.