Jump jockey great McCoy to retire

Tony McCoy - cropped

Nineteen-time champion jockey Tony McCoy has revealed he will retire by the end of the season.

McCoy is the most successful jump jockey in history and surpassed Martin Pipe's record of 4,191 winners last year.

After riding Mr Mole to victory in Saturday's Betfair Price Rush Chase at Newbury, claiming his 200th win of the season, the 40-year-old announced he is set to bow out.

"I want to go while I'm still enjoying racing and while I am still near the top," McCoy told Channel 4 Racing.

"I want to go out as champion jockey and it will be my 20th year if I can win the jockeys' championship."

A remarkably consistent performer, McCoy was first named Champion Jockey in 1996 and has taken the title in every year since.

He has enjoyed frequent success in the sport's most high-profile races and finally ended his wait for a Grand National triumph with victory aboard Don't Push It in 2010.

In addition, McCoy has won the Champion Hurdle on three occasions and the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice, as well as claiming a string of further successes.

Trainer Paul Nicholls, McCoy's current employer, said: "One day you have to make a decision. He's been such a legend but you can't go on for ever.

"He's riding as well as he ever has so that's probably the right time to go out.

"He's been a great ambassador. Everyone will miss him, won't they?"

Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald hailed McCoy via Twitter, posting: "Only 3 months left to see a legend ride. I firmly believe his record number of winners will not be broken in my lifetime. also a true gent."

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