There was no fairytale finale for Tony McCoy as the most successful jump jockey in history brought an end to his glittering career with two third-placed finishes at Sandown Park on Saturday.
A sell-out crowd of 18,000 was in attendance at the Surrey venue to witness the final rides of the 20-time champion jockey, who announced his decision to retire earlier this year.
Yet McCoy - fifth in the Grand National aboard Shutthefrontdoor a fortnight ago - was unable to sign off with a triumph as he finished third on Mr Mole in a race bearing his name, before claiming the same spot riding the appropriately named Box Office in the Bet365 Handicap Hurdle.
Fellow jockeys lined up to form a guard of honour for the departing legend before the A P McCoy Celebration Chase, which was won by Special Tiara ahead of Sprinter Sacre and Mr Mole.
McCoy's final race was brought forward by an hour so it could be televised live in the United Kingdom, but a perfect send-off eluded the Northern Irishman as long-time rival and friend Richard Johnson guided Brother Tedd to victory.
The winner of over 4,300 races, McCoy still received a predictably rapturous reception from the crowd after crossing the finishing post for the last time.
"It's amazing. I can't believe what's happening. I've been so lucky all my life," the 40-year-old, who has seen the champion jockey trophy retired in his honour, told Channel 4 Racing.
"It's been a very emotional day. I want to thank everyone for coming out, the racing public.
"All my family were here, too, so it's very special. It's been unbelievable, a day I'll never forget."