AP McCoy bows out after 20 years at top
If you win a title 20 years in succession, it’s only fair you get to keep the trophy forever.
Champion
Jockey AP McCoy is the only person to have lifted the current Champion Jump Jockey trophy, after winning it every year since it was first commissioned, in 2007.
But his success story goes back even longer than that, having first won the championship title – which is given to the jump jockey with the most winning rides in a season – back in 1996. No other jockey has come close to winning the title that many times.
Retireal
Now McCoy has called time on his glorious career, he gets to keep the trophy in recognition of his amazing feats in racing.
“AP’s achievements over the past 20 years are unparalleled and, given that he is the only jockey to have even been presented this trophy, it seems fitting that it should be retired and given to him as a thank you on behalf of British Racing for his contribution to the industry,” saidRod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing.
Final day
AP raced for the last time on Saturday 25 April, choosing to bow out at Sandown’s Bet365 Jump Finale meeting.
It was a sell-out occasion with racing fans pouring through the gates to watch the most successful jump jockey of all time race for the final time.
“Thanks for all the good wishes, I’ve been so lucky to live my life as a jockey – thanks to everyone who helped me make all my dreams come true,” AP tweeted afterwards.