McCoy and The Way We Were score

Tony McCoy shrugged off his fall from Sportsmaster in the first to land the two mile maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on The Way We Were (9/2) in the JP McManus colours.

McCoy tracked Robbie Power on Espresso Lady and set sail for home at the final bend. With the final flight omitted due to Miktalina #8217;s fall there at the first The Way We Were outsprinted odds on favourite Aupcharlie (3/10 from 2/5) in the last 200 yards to win by a length.

Successful trainer Edward O’Grady said: “His jumping is his forte and I was delighted with the way he battled in the long run-in.

“It’s obviously very unfortunate for the connections of the horse on the ground (Miktalina) but an extra hurdle would have suited our fellow.

“He’ll go for a winners of one now and he’ll probably make a nice chaser in time.” Hawk Flight at 10/1 was third.

Michael Graham