Tony McCoy has not ridden at Catterick for more than five years but he pays a rare visit to the North Yorkshire course this afternoon.

The most successful-ever jump jockey will be donning the colours of his boss, owner JP McManus, aboard Aland Islands in the Watt Fences Novices’ Hurdle.

Trained in South Wales by Tim Vaughan, Aland Islands is unbeaten in two starts.

He won a bumper at Exeter last April and also prevailed over hurdles at Hexham in November.

He has not been seen since, but Vaughan must feel he is fit enough to do himself justice on his reappearance after deciding to send him on such a long journey, and McCoy’s assistance is a further pointer to his chances.

He is fancied to provide the champion jockey with a Catterick victory.

Lucy Alexander, who is enjoying a tremendous season, has excellent prospects aboard Saveiro in the Book Tickets Online At catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap Chase.

Alan Swinbank’s gelding returned to winning form with a stylish display at Wetherby last week.

He has a 7lb penalty to carry, but Alexander’s 5lb claim will erase most of that extra burden. A bold bid is anticipated.

Stopped Out, runner-up on his last three starts, deserves a change of luck and may find opportunity knocking in the Dine And View At Catterick Races Beginners’ Chase.

The seven-year-old, trained by Kate Walton at Middleham, was no match for the Cheltenham-bound Bold Sir Brian at Musselburgh last time, but there is nothing of that horse’s calibre in today’s field. Richie McGrath again has the mount.

The meeting kicks off with a handicap hurdle for lady amateur riders and Joanna Mason looks set for a good ride on Royal Entourage, trained at Castleton on the North York Moors by Philip Kirby.

The gelding won well at Musselburgh a couple of weeks ago and looks capable of following up.

At Kempton tomorrow, Mark Johnston’s Icelander looks an interesting proposition in the Read Nick Luck In Racing Plus Maiden Stakes.

The North Yorkshire-trained three-year-old made a promising debut at Lingfield to finish third, beaten less than four lengths.

He is entitled to improve with that experience under his belt.

Zip Lock (6.35), who showed the right attitude when beating Rightcar by a neck on this course three weeks ago, has every chance of following up.

The nap vote goes to Time Square (8.05), who was backed down to favourite before finishing third over this course and distance on his latest start.

Tony Carroll’s charge deserves the chance to recover losses.

Racing selections

Catterick (today)

2.20 Royal Entourage, 2.50 Flora’s Pride, 3.20 Saveiro, 3.50 Aland Islands, 4.20 Stopped Out, 4.50 The Red Laird, 5.20 Spring Lane.

Today’s other meetings

Leicester and Lingfield.

Kempton (tomorrow)

5.35 Dunhoy, 6.05 J J Leary, 6.35 Zip Lock, 7.05 Valley Tiger, 7.35 Icelander, 8.05 Time Square (NAP), 8.35 Hill Of Dreams.

Tomorrow’s other meetings

Bangor, Folkestone and Southwell.