Tony McCoy limped away from Plumpton yesterday after being on the floor three times from his four rides at the Sussex course. He was unseated from Levelander as the gelding was being led out on to the course for the opening Keston Family Maiden Hurdle.

The champion jockey walked to the start to be reunited with the 11 to 8 favourite. Levelander finished a nine-length third to Stormy Skye after having every chance.

McCoy, who was returning from a two-day suspension, then came a cropper on 2 to 7 chance Carandrew in the RWC Novices' Chase won by Kelly Mac before enjoying a change of luck on Take Control in the Courage Best Novices' Hurdle.

The Martin Pipe-trained sixyear-old won in great style by 22 lengths and was immediately made 7 to 1 favourite with the sponsors for the Ladbrokes Casinos Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

"As with all the Cheltenham Festival handicaps this race is going to prove hard to win," said Ladbrokes spokesman Ed Nicholson, "but if there is one combination we fear it's Pipe and McCoy."

McCoy took a heavy fall 30 minutes later when Major Dundee crashed out of the Ladbrokes Last Race Handicap Hurdle (Final). He has just one booked ride at Leicester today, Jason's Boy in the 4.20.

Adrian Maguire, who only returned to action 10 days ago after suffering a torn ligament in his back, was forced to give up his rides at Newcastle yesterday after a fall on Saturday.