McCoy op a success

Tony McCoy is making great progress after his back operation 'went like clockwork'.

Champion jockey feeling good after back operation

Tony McCoy is making great progress in hospital after his back operation 'went like clockwork', reports his personal assistant. The 12-time champion jockey had to undergo surgery on his back as the result of a heavy fall at Warwick last Saturday. A damaged vertebrae has now been operated on and the surgery was thought to quicken his recovery as he bids to be ready for the Cheltenham Festival in March. McCoy's personal assistant Gee Bradburne says that the operation was a complete success and reports the pilot to be in high spirits. "I have spoken to AP today, he's in good spirits and is making great progress," said Bradburne. "Spinal specialists Mr James Wilson-Macdonald and Mr Adi Zubovic said the operation went like clockwork and they are very pleased with the result. "AP will be home on Sunday when he will start a rehabilitation plan devised by the surgeons and Dr Philip Pritchard. "Movement will be encouraged and the plan will include power walking and physiotherapy to begin with. "Both of the surgeons have highly complimented Dr Pritchard on his level of knowledge as a physician and his sense of urgency. "They both agree the jockeys are very lucky to have him and AP's Cheltenham return will be largely due to his management of the injury. "Regular visitor Eve McCoy, AP's nine-week-old daughter, and wife Chanelle are keeping him in good heart."