Racing: McCoy hits century as Sands' sights set higher

WAHIBA SANDS left the hurdling scene on a winning note in the Ascot Hurdle yesterday and in doing so completed yet another century of winners for Tony McCoy.

Setting off at the charitable odds of 5-4, the gelding delighted his trainer, Martin Pipe, who is now relishing the next stage of the six-year- old's career. "We schooled him over fences two days ago and I was a bit worried about putting him back over hurdles," he said.

Pipe paid tribute to his stable jockey who was completing his fifth century. "He's brilliant, isn't he? He never takes a holiday unless one is forced on him and is so dedicated."

McCoy himself lauded Wahiba Sands, who received a 6-1 quote for the Arkle Chase from Coral. "It was great to get a 100 on such a good horse," he said, as he prepared to launch his bid to become the fifth jumps jockey, after Stan Mellor, John Francome, Peter Scudamore and Richard Dunwoody, to reach 1,000 winners. He needs just 23 winners to achieve the feat.

n Peter Savill has given his reasons for resigning from the Levy Board. The BHB chairman said: "I have growing concerns about the operation of the Levy Board in the areas of fixtures, the levy and general betting duty. As chairman of racing's governing authority, I should no longer feel constrained by Levy Board membership."