Chanel 4 Racing.

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Alec Swan

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A.P.McCoy, the champion jockey for a staggering 20 years, has announced his retirement whilst riding home his 200th. winner of the season, Mr Mole.

In my view, McCoy is the greatest jump jockey, and one of the greatest advocates of National Hunt racing, of all time.

Alec.
 
A very well earned retirement when it comes. Dickie will get a shot at the title next year and I suspect he will bow out when he gets it too.

Channel 4 must be clapping their hands in glee at getting this first hand from AP's very own mouth so no Chinese whispers.
 
One of - if not "the" - greatest ambassador for NH racing. His commitment to his job will never be in question.

Channel 4 (Nick Luck in particular) .. AP has announced his intention to retire from race riding at the end of the season - they're talking like he's died! Let's look forward to his rides at Cheltenham and Aintree and every other ride he has in the next 11 weeks.
 
TelH said:
Not just the greatest jump jockey but right up there with the greatest sportsmen of all time.
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You're right. He has a level of modesty which few in such an exalted position manage to display.

As Bonkers says, what a delight to see Denman, and what a privilege for the girl who hunts him to allow him to extend. The girl's face was a picture of delight!

AP will be racing at Fakenham on Friday, should anyone else fancy going, we'll buy you drink!

Alec.
 
EKW said:
I hope he goes out with another National under his belt! Though we will miss him up at Perth!
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I am not sure how he will bow out, typically he might go to a gaff track, but if he wins a big one at Cheltenham, he might sign off.
Last race NH of the season is 25th April Sandown park
 
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Bonkers2 said:
I am not sure how he will bow out, typically he might go to a gaff track, but if he wins a big one at Cheltenham, he might sign off.
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He won't miss out on Aintree or the Scottish National, maybe the Irish the week after that. Then the season ends after that.

Within minutes he is top trending on Twitter and Facebook - that is the power he holds!

The highs and lows of racing - McCoy comes down at the first in the next race!
 
EKW said:
A very well earned retirement when it comes. Dickie will get a shot at the title next year and I suspect he will bow out when he gets it too.

Channel 4 must be clapping their hands in glee at getting this first hand from AP's very own mouth so no Chinese whispers.
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To be honest, if I were Dickie I would think about retiring too, he seems to have a balanced family life, does not need the money, and its not a given that he would get the Championship, it would be a very tough year, does he need that?
 
EKW said:
……..

The highs and lows of racing - McCoy comes down at the first in the next race!
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As you say!! :D And he walked back in with Barry Geraghty, a little bit older, but no wiser! :D

There was a horse still down, also a faller, does anyone know of him and how he is?

Here's a thought, I wonder if AP will be offered a directors post in the BHA. They could do worse than have someone on board who knows what he's talking about.

Alec.
 
Its the end of an era. When I was in racing he was riding for Pipe, and was provided with a jetstream of winners from Nicholashayne, we did not realise the mark of the man, he was a good jockey, but his determination to be the best jockey, never to look back always look forward, always improve, be the best, that revelation came later.
 
scotlass said:
Channel 4 (Nick Luck in particular) .. AP has announced his intention to retire from race riding at the end of the season - they're talking like he's died! Let's look forward to his rides at Cheltenham and Aintree and every other ride he has in the next 11 weeks.
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Funnily enough I wanted to go to this meeting [only go racing for special reasons], but I can't get to Newbury easily, so I settled for C4 Racing, I think they did a good job. It is a historic moment, like Arkle [HIMSELF], Anthony Peter McCoy OBE will always be " The Champ" to some, "AP" to me.
 
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Sadly I don't think NH racing will be the same without him :( :(
Very sad but completely understand why he has decided to do it.
 
Its not sad, he is still fit and active, he has been "lucky".
I saw him before the announcement and he is too "drawn" , time to go.
He will find it difficult, but I am sure he will cope.
I think he will have to walk away from the racing scene, though I am sure it will still be open house at "McCoy Towers"
All his friends are racing people, this is what is difficult, no one else understands.
Maybe he will breed some proper NH horses for us all to enjoy.
 
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Such an amazing man. He is such a superb jockey, I think his riding is at an absolute pinnacle now he doesn't flog em like he might have done in his younger days and he is so absolutely skilled at beingh in the right place. What a ride on Mr mole - do you remember that horse last year, he was a complete fruitcake. That shows sublime skill, the ability to settle and win with such a horse.
 
We were at Newbury as as AP went out on Mr Mole, OH said wonder if he will retire after this championship!

Wishing him all the very best for the future.
 
bonny said:
He's often emotional, I think all racing fans are as well after today !
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I know I am. Heard this on the news on my way home from the yard and welled up. A true sportsman in every sense of the word . . . racing (and sport in general) will be poorer without him competing. There won't be many sportsmen (or women) who can match his achievements - or his fabulous attitude. It will certainly make Cheltenham bittersweet . . .

P
 
olop said:
Sadly I don't think NH racing will be the same without him :( :(
Very sad but completely understand why he has decided to do it.
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I understand . . . he's going out while he's on top, having won every major gong and is still in one piece . . . makes perfect sense to me. But I am sad to see him go . . . so hoping he will stay in the sport somehow either in breeding or training.

P
 
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