Racing: McCoy refuses to lose Cool

Tony McCoy drew a blank at Exeter yesterday but drew admiration for a remarkable recovery in the final race of the day when his mount Miss Cool blundered at the second flight.

Miss Cool, the 4-5 favourite, finished third in the novices' hurdle but would certainly have finished closer but for the mistake. The champion jockey was thrown forward and to the left.

McCoy was left dangling from the horse's neck for several moments before he was able to clamber back into the saddle. Miss Cool jumped the next flight with her rider still trying to put his feet back in the irons.

The race was won by the Paul Nicholls-trained Ruby Gale, who held off Lords Best by a short-head. The success proved to be Nicholls' 110th of the season and equalled his previous best.

Robert Thornton clocked up his 50th winner of the term when scoring aboard Alan King's D'Argent in Exeter's first race of the day. The grey led three out and proved two lengths too good for Bantie Boy.

Thornton said: "I suppose my target with only a month of the season left is 60 winners. But I couldn't be more pleased with the way things have gone this term, especially with my boss Kim Bailey's horses all running well."

Valerie Graham, who trains only a few miles from the course, saddled her first winner under Rules from her first runner when Sol Music, ridden by Sam Holdsworth, came home with four lengths to spare from Wait For This in the hunters' chase. Graham remarked: "It's quite amazing to score with your first-ever runner at your local track and I'm obviously thrilled."