Tony McCoy's week of woe took a turn for the better at Cheltenham yesterday afternoon when he moved onto the 998-winner mark in his quest for 1000 career successes following his victory on Miss Fara.
The filly battled to a short head verdict over Ferrers for the Chubb Fire Handicap Hurdle to bring a smile back to the champion jockey after a number of setbacks in recent days.
"That's a bit better," smiled McCoy, who is bidding to become only the fifth jockey in National Hunt history to join the 1000 winners club.
"It's nice to get one of the winners I need for the thousand and there's always tomorrow where I have six rides that all have chances, but I would think Heros Fatal is my best chance," he added.
McCoy's afternoon had kicked off in downbeat style when he had a distant view of impressive winner Mister Banjo in the opening novice hurdle on the runner-up Face The Class.
The champion found himself on the deck in the novice chase when Moondigua came down at the third last, while Levelander failed to jump a twig before finishing a remote eighth behind Ask The Natives in the novice hurdle.
Ask The Natives had trainer Paul Nicholls dreaming of Cheltenham Festival glory when scooting home.
When asked about plans for the five-year-old Nicholls smiled: "What's next? Well, in my mind it's the Arkle Trophy Chase back here in 18 months time."
McCoy's six rides at Cheltenham today are: 12.50 Heros Fatal, 1.20 Majadou, 1.55 Lady Cricket, 2.30 Northern Starlight, 3.05 Far Cry, 3.40 Better Think Again.
