Sunnyhill Boy likely to pair up with McCoy

Victorious 12 months ago on the subsequently ill-fated Synchronised after producing one of the rides of his career, McCoy’s retainer with leading owner JP McManus means that he’s most likely to partner 66-1 shot Sunnyhill Boy in Friday’s showpiece.

This is the McManus horse that finished a heartbreaking second in the Grand National to the new retired Neptune Collonges, and trainer Jonjo O’Neill believes that the Gold Cup will be a suitable prep race for Aintree.

It means Tom Scudamore takes the ride on The Giant Bolster. The pair actually led over the final fence last year, and McCoy had to strain every last sinew to power Synchronised home in an epic race.

Though The Giant Bolster was pulled up in the King George Chase when ridden by McCoy, he did chase home Charlie Hall hero Silviniaco Conti at Newbury last month under Scudamore.

Bridgwater’s enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks to the emergence of The Giant Bolster and Aintree prospect Wyck Hill, all 39 boxes are filled at his Cotswolds yard. “I’ve had The Bolster since he was three. You can jump the queue if you want and pay big money to buy a good horse, which is the fashion these days,” he said.

“But I’ve never had the big money. Bolster and Wyck Hill cost £24,000 between them. Bolster cost £17k which is the most expensive I’ve ever bought. You’ve got to be patient, I see a lot of potential Gold Cup horses that are asked to do too much too soon and never fulfil their potential.

“Last year’s Gold Cup was fairly exciting! In front over the last with a 50-1 shot but in my eyes he was never a 50-1 shot. People forgot that I’d ridden at the top and know what I’m talking about, you know a good horse when you sit on one.

“We got him back on track at Newbury last time and the only race he’s been trained for all season is the Gold Cup again.”