grand national 2013 /

McCoy Proud of Teaforthree
07/01/13

Tony McCoy believes that Welsh National runner-up Teaforthree ran the perfect race in preparation for the Grand National at Aintree in April.

Teaforthree
© Racehorse Photos

The champion jockey partnered Teaforthree at Chepstow of course and was delighted with his performance and qualities over such a long distance, despite not being able to secure a victory.

Monbeg Dude was the winner of the event, with jockey Paul Carberry taking a lot of the plaudits for his trademark cool and relaxed ride. McCoy pushed him all the way though and can have high hopes of claiming the biggest prize of them all later in the year.

He said: "He ran a great race. He stayed on all the way up the straight.

"When the other horse (Monbeg Dude) passed him, he kept fighting. He's a pretty good jumper - he won the four-miler at Cheltenham and he's a good, solid horse.

"He ran off 144 so he should have a nice weight in the National - I think it's the logical step for him. He'd have a good chance and it would be nice if he could redeem himself because he didn't put a foot wrong. He was beaten by someone who was inspired in Paul Carberry."

A better performance will be required in the Grand National of course, but there is plenty of time for Teaforthree to now improve and prepare for the race at Aintree.

Carberry was the difference, that was clear to see as he had the calmness that was needed in the closing stages. If you were to ask him, he would probably say he knew the race was going to be his right from the start.

Teaforthree and McCoy can be proud of their efforts though and look to challenge for the Grand National in three months time.

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