Tony McCoy’s Irish farewell begins with double on opening day of Fairyhouse

Going out with a bang

You never know what you've got until it's gone and Irish racing fans got a glimpse of what they'll be missing from later on this month after AP McCoy saddled two winners on the opening day of the Fairyhouse Grand National meeting today. The Antrim man is retiring later this month,likely to be at Sandown, but before then he's making what could be his very final appearance in Ireland at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting. He'll be in action tomorrow for the Irish Grand National on board Cantlow and he warmed up for that ride with two impressive winners today,including the feature the Ryanair Gold Cup. McCoy's opening win was fortunate and owed a lot to a spectacular fall by Joseph O'Brien at the final flight. The Kilkenny man looked set for an impressive win on board Marchese Marconi until he came tumbling at the last with McCoy profiting on Sir Scorpion to secure the win in the Gleesons Butchers Novice Handicap Hurdle for JP Mc Manus and Tom Mullins at 6-4. McCoy's farewell to Ireland then got even better as he guided Gilgamboa to success in the feature of day one in the Ryanair Gold Cup. Pre-race favourite Gitane Du Berlais looked set for a win as he led out his rivals for most of the race before incredible drama in the final furlongs. Smashing took over the lead three from home before the favourite responded to then restore the advantage. McCoy used his experience to keep in touch on-board Gilgamboa approaching the last where he coaxed an incredible jump out of the Enda Bolger mount to storm to victory  at 7-1. He just came home ahead of the Tullow Tank with Smashing coming home third. McCoy is already the favourite for tomorrow's Irish Grand National and will take his place in the 30 strong field full of confidence after today's win.