Elsworth steals headlines and strikes gold on Somersby

McCoy was among the first to congratulate Guiseley-born Elsworth after Somersby took advantage of a jumping lapse by Ryanair Chase winner Cue Card to land a thrilling renewal of Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup yesterday.

Trained by Henrietta Knight in conjunction with Mick Channon, it was Somersby’s first success since taking the Grade One Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot in January 2012.

Though Sprinter Sacre is the undisputed two-mile champion, Elsworth made this observation: “Last season was a bit of a wash-out for him but he is bigger and better this year.

“Of course there is still Sprinter Sacre but after him who knows. After this run he can only improve – he was bit fresh early which he was entitled to be.”

As for the champion, McCoy suffered a rare blank day. He was narrowly denied in the opening novice hurdle on Flemenson by the Hadden Frost-ridden Rydon Pines, while his mount in the following race, Keen Eye, never looked like taking a hand in the finish at any stage. Well Hello There was fifth in a later race after a blunder when travelling sweetly.

McCoy has just two chances today to get the two winners he needs for immortality. He rides El Macca for Rebecca Curtis in the opening maiden hurdle at 1.10pm and then Jonjo O’Neill’s ironically-named Mission Complete in the 2.40pm handicap hurdle. Both are owned by JP McManus.

Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth and 2012 Betfair Chase winner Silviniaco Conti head the 16 entries for this year’s renewal of the Haydock showpiece on November 23.

Long Run also features, despite finishing a distant fifth in Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase, while there are intriguing entries for two Yorkshire runners – Malcolm Jefferson’s Cape Tribulation and Sue Smith’s Mr Moonshine.

The wait for a British-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup goes on after Ed Dunlop’s Red Cadeaux, a former Yorkshire Cup victor, was foiled by Fiorente early yesterday for trainer Gai Waterhouse, the queen of Australian racing.

Footballer Michael Owen’s Pontefract winner Brown Panther was eighth. He suffered a badly cut leg during the two-mile race which required treatment.

Wins on Masterful Act and Beacon Tarn at Southwell mean that Malton-based Jason Hart is now virtually assured of being crowned 2013 champion Flat apprentice at Doncaster on Saturday.