McCoy relishing return of the Cheltenham roar with crowds back for jumps season

Sir Anthony McCoy is counting down the days until racegoers return to jump racing's iconic Cheltenham home after recalling the "surreal feeling" of witnessing last season's festival held without spectators.

Since restrictions were eased in England, big attendances have been recorded at Glorious Goodwood and at York's Ebor festival last week, including a record crowd at the latter on the Friday.

All of jump racing's biggest days were staged behind closed doors or with strict limitations last season and it is the return of racing enthusiasts which excites the 20-time champion jockey most as the main part of the season draws closer.

Speaking at a charity event at Cheltenham on Tuesday, he told the Racing Post: "It's different going into this season but I'm looking forward to it. It will be really nice to see people back on the racecourse again.

"Back here in March was just very different. I remember I went out down the front to watch the last race on the Tuesday after ITV was off air, I saw Ronnie's [Bartlett, owner] horse Galvin win the National Hunt Chase and you could count the people in front of the stands on one hand. It was a very surreal feeling.

"For the four days it was like that so it will make a big difference having all the people back."

Last year's festival was a big disappointment for British trainers who were responsible for just five winners of the 28 races at the meeting. The Irish also had nine of the first ten home in the Grand National and McCoy hopes this season will prove far more competitive.

He added: "It was a non-event at Cheltenham last time around so it'll have to be more competitive and more difficult. I'm glad I'm not a trainer, I'd have struggled to cope.

Sir Anthony McCoy: a key part of ITV Racing's coverage at the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

"It's now about ways of making the situation better and more competitive, that's what sport's about. It was a one-sided event, especially at Cheltenham."

One of the big British disappointments of the week was Champ, famously named in honour of McCoy. He was sent off 13-2 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup but was pulled up before the seventh.

"Champ is back again and physically and mentally we think he's in a better place," McCoy said of the Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old.

"We didn't see the best of him in the Gold Cup for sure, he was beaten after two fences. Hopefully he should be all right again this season."

'It makes them feel at ease' – McCoy on ambassador duty

McCoy was speaking at Cheltenham on a charity day run by the Jockey Club for WellChild, partners of last season's festival and who sponsored the Gold Cup won by Minella Indo.

Eight children with disabilities were given the opportunity of a lifetime to ride a pony around the iconic parade ring, and have an access-all-areas visit to the racecourse.

Sir Anthony McCoy pictured with Zaccy Nwachukwu, 4, at a WellChild charity day at Cheltenham racecourseCredit: Antony Thompson/TWM

McCoy, in his role as WellChild ambassador, said: "I think it's a really good thing for Cheltenham, WellChild and the RDA [Riding for the Disabled Association]. I feel watching kids with disabilities with ponies it makes them feel at ease and as good as anything can do.

"Riding a pony or a horse is a lovely feeling, the best in the world, so seeing the kids here is a really good initiative."

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