Local Hero jumps his way to Wetherby success in McCoy treble

Local Hero, a winner on the Flat at Catterick earlier this month, travelled strongly and hurdled fluently, always appearing to have matters in hand for McCoy. "We always thought he was good and we had schooled him before Catterick, but you never know until they get on the track," said Lincolnshire-based Gollings.

"It didn't look a strong race on paper and we'd have been disappointed if he hadn't have won, but Tony said he really liked him a lot. We'll keep it low key for the time being and then progress from there hopefully."

Earlier McCoy guided the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Palace Jester to a novice hurdle winner before striking on chaser Aberdale for the Grand National-winning trainer.

Meanwhile Ferdy Murphy's horses appear to be running into form, with Riguez Dancer winning the handicap chase. Part of David Parry's racing syndicate, the horse is clearly one to follow.

In other racing news, the trainers Galant Nuit – who also runs under the Parry banner – heads the 63 entries for the Welsh National on December 27. He is one of the 12-1 ante-post favourites for the Chepstow marathon with sponsors Coral.

Meanwhile teenage sensation Sam Twiston-Davies is appealing against a three-day suspension that could see him miss the ride on Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Little Josh in next month's December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The 18-year-old, who believes Little Josh can complete a memorable double, is currently ruled out of the December 11 showpiece after incurring the wrath of Kempton's stewards on Monday.

Prior to the Paddy Power, Little Josh dead-heated with Weird Al at Carlisle – and the latter's trainer, Ian Williams, is hopeful of a big run in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The winner of Wetherby's Towton Novices Chase in February, Williams says the horse's 10st weight, and the services of Gold Cup-winning jockey Paddy Brennan, gives his charge every chance.

Weird Al is second favourite to top-weight Denman who is seeking an unprecedented third Hennesy. "Denman is up in the weights but he doesn't know that," said jockey Sam Thomas.