CHAMPION jockey Tony McCoy proved an excellent substitute when he steered the Kent trained Avalanche to an impressive win in a £20,000 race at Kempton Park.

McCoy was a more than able deputy for Avalanche’s regular jockey Mark Bradburne, who was otherwise engaged at Haydock Park.

The handsome seven-year-old grey won easily by three lengths in the two and a half mile steeplechase and McCoy was complimentary about him. “Avalanche is a nice horse and will win again,” he said.

Best, who trains at Hucking, near Maidstone, was delighted to secure McCoy. “If you have to find a substitute, it is great to get the best,” he said. “He was offered several other rides in the race but chose Avalanche.”

Avalanche, owned by a syndicate of businessmen, was awarded the corresponding race last year after finishing second. The “winner” was disqualified after a dope test revealed he had an illegal substance in his blood.

Avalanche was Best’s eighth winner in a successful 2004 and followed Steely Dan’s triumph in a seven furlong race on the all-weather surface at Lingfield Park.