Grand National memories: McCoy pushes envelope in 2010

Tony McCoy feels the right place to end this series of Grand National memories here at Coral. Since 2001, he had more torrid luck in the race with Becher’s Brook proving to be a nemesis, after Clan Royal got carried out in 2005 and Butler’s Cabin fell when travelling strongly in 2008.

By the time 2010 came around, McCoy looked to be running out of time to find an elusive Grand National winner. In the run-up to the race, he had the choice between Can’t Buy Time and Don’t Push It for retainer JP McManus.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill knew who he wanted McCoy to ride, forcing him to flip a coin several times before it landed on Don’t Push It. The son of Old Vic had always had plenty of talent, having run Gold Cup winner Denman close in a novice chase at Cheltenham one day, and was bang there in an Arkle when falling at the second last.

Although possessing talent, if Don’t Push It wasn’t on a going day punters would know their fate early. His Grand National preparation had looked good with a second at Cheltenham to Galant Nuit, giving that rival plenty of weight looking strong form. The concern was that he had showed little when running at the Festival in the Pertemps Final.

On the day, there was a nationwide gamble as Don’t Push It opened up 25/1, and was sent off 10/1 joint-favourite with Big Fella Thanks. The rest, as they say, is history. Check out McCoy’s maiden National winner below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4aYO1YBpq0

Settled in mid-division, the horse jumped brilliantly apart from one slight error five out, but he never looked in trouble as he powered past long time leader Black Apalachi after the final fence to finally put to bed the McCoy/O’Neill/McManus hoodoo in the world’s greatest steeplechase. Could they team up again with Shutthefrontdoor in this year’s renewal?