Tony McCoy
The facts are indisputable.
The facts are indisputable.
The greatest jump jockey ever rode in 17,546 races, winning 4,348.
The greatest jump jockey ever rode in 17,546 races, winning 4,348.
He was the champion National Hunt jockey for an incredible twenty successive season.
He was the champion National Hunt jockey for an incredible twenty successive season.
In the 2001-2002 season, he won an unbelievable 289 races, a British horse racing record for the most winners ridden in a season by a jockey (flat or jumps).
In the 2001-2002 season, he won an unbelievable 289 races, a British horse racing record for the most winners ridden in a season by a jockey (flat or jumps).
He was simply a phenomenon.
He was simply a phenomenon.
He was A. P. McCoy.
He was A. P. McCoy.
His story begins in the village of Moneyglass, County Antrim, which sits between Belfast and Derry. It was here that his father, Peadar, a carpenter, built a bungalow behind his parents' house to which, because of his passion for horses, he attached three stables.
His story begins in the village of Moneyglass, County Antrim, which sits between Belfast and Derry. It was here that his father, Peadar, a carpenter, built a bungalow behind his parents' house to which, because of his passion for horses, he attached three stables.
He married Claire, from Randalstown, in 1968. They christened their eldest lad - born on May 4th, 1974 – Anthony Peter.
He married Claire, from Randalstown, in 1968. They christened their eldest lad - born on May 4th, 1974 – Anthony Peter.
Peadar bought him a pony. Nine-year-old Anthony - or AP as, in later life, he preferred to be called - named it Seven Up. It was a brute of a pony and was quickly sold on for another, which AP christened Chippy, after footballer Liam Brady. (AP is a life-long Arsenal supporter.)
Peadar bought him a pony. Nine-year-old Anthony - or AP as, in later life, he preferred to be called - named it Seven Up. It was a brute of a pony and was quickly sold on for another, which AP christened Chippy, after footballer Liam Brady. (AP is a life-long Arsenal supporter.)
In 1970, Peadar indulged his passion and bought Fire Forest, a mare descended from a Grand National winner in foal to a decent local stallion. News of its imminent arrival bought local trainer Billy Rock to the door, interested in its purchase. Peadar and Billy became firm friends, a friendship that lasted until the trainer's death in 2003.
In 1970, Peadar indulged his passion and bought Fire Forest, a mare descended from a Grand National winner in foal to a decent local stallion. News of its imminent arrival bought local trainer Billy Rock to the door, interested in its purchase. Peadar and Billy became firm friends, a friendship that lasted until the trainer's death in 2003.
Billy trained horses at Cullybackey, some eleven miles from Moneyglass. AP would badger his father to be taken there on Saturdays. At first the youngster would just watch - then, one day, Billy put him up on a horse in the indoor school, opening the floodgates.
Billy trained horses at Cullybackey, some eleven miles from Moneyglass. AP would badger his father to be taken there on Saturdays. At first the youngster would just watch - then, one day, Billy put him up on a horse in the indoor school, opening the floodgates.
As AP's involvement with Billy grew, so his interest in attending school waned. Soon, at point-to-points, he was leading up Billy's horses.
As AP's involvement with Billy grew, so his interest in attending school waned. Soon, at point-to-points, he was leading up Billy's horses.
In the 1983 summer holidays, AP would cycle the eleven miles to Billy's and ride work for him. He was paid £100 a week. Billy knew, however, that if AP was to make it as a jockey, he would have to go to a bigger stable. Thus, at the end of the summer, it was arranged for him to have a fortnight's trial with top trainer Jim Bolger, a stern disciplinarian.
In the 1983 summer holidays, AP would cycle the eleven miles to Billy's and ride work for him. He was paid £100 a week. Billy knew, however, that if AP was to make it as a jockey, he would have to go to a bigger stable. Thus, at the end of the summer, it was arranged for him to have a fortnight's trial with top trainer Jim Bolger, a stern disciplinarian.
Things worked out well and AP was offered an apprenticeship. The next April, saying goodbye to his friends and family, he left Moneyglass and set out on the road to fame & fortune.
Things worked out well and AP was offered an apprenticeship. The next April, saying goodbye to his friends and family, he left Moneyglass and set out on the road to fame & fortune.
AP made his racecourse début on August 31st at Phoenix Park. In a field of fourteen runners and carrying 6 st 6 lb, Nordic Touch finished seventh. It was another six weeks before he got another ride: Nordic Wind at The Curragh. AP finished second, beaten a length.
AP made his racecourse début on August 31st at Phoenix Park. In a field of fourteen runners and carrying 6 st 6 lb, Nordic Touch finished seventh. It was another six weeks before he got another ride: Nordic Wind at The Curragh. AP finished second, beaten a length.
Two years had passed at Bolger's when he got the leg-up on Legal Steps at Thurles on March 26th, 1992. Legal Steps won in a common canter. It was his first - and only - win of the season.
Two years had passed at Bolger's when he got the leg-up on Legal Steps at Thurles on March 26th, 1992. Legal Steps won in a common canter. It was his first - and only - win of the season.
AP returned to Moneyglass, spending the New Year at home. Then – disaster. Returning to Jim's, he rode work on Kly Green. Failing to see a wooden fence, the horse ran straight into it, throwing him to the ground. His leg broken, he was taken to Kilkenny hospital where he remained for the next two days. He was collected by his parents who took him home to Moneyglass where he spent the next four months, recuperating.
AP returned to Moneyglass, spending the New Year at home. Then – disaster. Returning to Jim's, he rode work on Kly Green. Failing to see a wooden fence, the horse ran straight into it, throwing him to the ground. His leg broken, he was taken to Kilkenny hospital where he remained for the next two days. He was collected by his parents who took him home to Moneyglass where he spent the next four months, recuperating.
Back at Bolger's in May, he faced another problem: his weight had shot up to 9 st 2 lb. It took him until that August to get down to an acceptable racing weight.
Back at Bolger's in May, he faced another problem: his weight had shot up to 9 st 2 lb. It took him until that August to get down to an acceptable racing weight.
AP now began to think about becoming a National Hunt jockey and when his three-year apprenticeship with Bolger finished, he signed up for one further year on the understanding that the trainer would give him some rides over the hurdles. Nineteen months after riding his first winner, AP rode his second, Zavleta at Leopardstown.
AP now began to think about becoming a National Hunt jockey and when his three-year apprenticeship with Bolger finished, he signed up for one further year on the understanding that the trainer would give him some rides over the hurdles. Nineteen months after riding his first winner, AP rode his second, Zavleta at Leopardstown.
Throughout the 1994 season, he rode on just sixteen occasions.
Throughout the 1994 season, he rode on just sixteen occasions.
His first ride over hurdles was on Riszard at Leopardstown on March 17th, that season. He was brought down by Anabatic at the second last.
His first ride over hurdles was on Riszard at Leopardstown on March 17th, that season. He was brought down by Anabatic at the second last.
His weight ever-increasing, he rode Huncheon Chance to victory at Bellewstown. It was to be his last winner on the Flat. On 15th July 1994, aged 20 and still claiming 7lb, AP won a hurdle race on Mollie Wootton at Kilbeggan. It was his last winning ride before leaving Ireland on 6th August 1994.
His weight ever-increasing, he rode Huncheon Chance to victory at Bellewstown. It was to be his last winner on the Flat. On 15th July 1994, aged 20 and still claiming 7lb, AP won a hurdle race on Mollie Wootton at Kilbeggan. It was his last winning ride before leaving Ireland on 6th August 1994.
Arriving in England at the start of the 1993-94 season, AP went to work for Toby Balding. Toby, who had been looking for a conditional to take over from Adrian Maguire, had met AP earlier at Wexford and offered him a job, He trained from a stable in the village of Weyhill, which lay three miles west of Andover, Hampshire. At that time, AP had ridden in just over 100 races, won six on the Flat and seven over hurdles.
Arriving in England at the start of the 1993-94 season, AP went to work for Toby Balding. Toby, who had been looking for a conditional to take over from Adrian Maguire, had met AP earlier at Wexford and offered him a job, He trained from a stable in the village of Weyhill, which lay three miles west of Andover, Hampshire. At that time, AP had ridden in just over 100 races, won six on the Flat and seven over hurdles.
The difference between Bolger's stable and Balding's was startling: Bolger ran his yard like a sergeant major: Balding was laid-back, amusing and one of the boys.
The difference between Bolger's stable and Balding's was startling: Bolger ran his yard like a sergeant major: Balding was laid-back, amusing and one of the boys.
AP had been there just a week when a call came from Martin Pipe's office. Martin wanted to meet him and, at the meeting, the young jockey was offered work by the country's leading trainer. After much agonising, AP turned him down, electing to stay with Toby.
AP had been there just a week when a call came from Martin Pipe's office. Martin wanted to meet him and, at the meeting, the young jockey was offered work by the country's leading trainer. After much agonising, AP turned him down, electing to stay with Toby.
This was the very week that A.P had had his first ride in England – Arctic Life, at Stratford, 19th August - but it was trained by John Jenkins, not Balding.
This was the very week that A.P had had his first ride in England – Arctic Life, at Stratford, 19th August - but it was trained by John Jenkins, not Balding.
AP's first winner in England – Chickabiddy, on 7th September, at Exeter - wasn't trained by Balding either. In fact, that season, Toby trained just 17 winners (he usually managed around the 50 mark) and AP wondered if he'd made the right decision.
AP's first winner in England – Chickabiddy, on 7th September, at Exeter - wasn't trained by Balding either. In fact, that season, Toby trained just 17 winners (he usually managed around the 50 mark) and AP wondered if he'd made the right decision.
The first winner he rode for Balding was Anna Valley at Worcester on 24th September. It was on this winner he lost his seven pound allowance.
The first winner he rode for Balding was Anna Valley at Worcester on 24th September. It was on this winner he lost his seven pound allowance.
AP's first double came at Newton Abbot when Bonus Boy (his first winner over fences) and Ask The Govenor obliged.
AP's first double came at Newton Abbot when Bonus Boy (his first winner over fences) and Ask The Govenor obliged.
His great friends at Balding's were Brian Clifford and Richard Davis. When Richard was killed in a first fence fall at Southwell in July, 1996, AP, on hearing the news, burst into tears.
His great friends at Balding's were Brian Clifford and Richard Davis. When Richard was killed in a first fence fall at Southwell in July, 1996, AP, on hearing the news, burst into tears.
On September 29th, 1994, A.P had his first ride at Cheltenham, winning the Frenchie Nicholson Conditional Handicap Hurdle on Wings of Freedom by a neck from Borrowed And Blue.
On September 29th, 1994, A.P had his first ride at Cheltenham, winning the Frenchie Nicholson Conditional Handicap Hurdle on Wings of Freedom by a neck from Borrowed And Blue.
The following year AP had his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival, Supreme Master, in the first race of the day. Starting at 100/1, Supreme Master finished 16th. He had his first Cheltenham Gold Cup ride when Beech Road, for Toby Balding, finished 7th of nine runners. He also had his first Grand National ride that year, riding Chatham for Martin Pipe. They came down at the 12th. The year just kept getting better for AP: with 74 winners, he finished up champion conditional rider and seventh in the jockeys' championship.
The following year AP had his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival, Supreme Master, in the first race of the day. Starting at 100/1, Supreme Master finished 16th. He had his first Cheltenham Gold Cup ride when Beech Road, for Toby Balding, finished 7th of nine runners. He also had his first Grand National ride that year, riding Chatham for Martin Pipe. They came down at the 12th. The year just kept getting better for AP: with 74 winners, he finished up champion conditional rider and seventh in the jockeys' championship.
When Richard Dunwoody fell out with Martin Pipe, the trainer offered AP a second chance to become his stable jockey. AP still wanted time to think, but Pipe was in a hurry to replace Dunwoody and abruptly hired David Bridgwater instead.
When Richard Dunwoody fell out with Martin Pipe, the trainer offered AP a second chance to become his stable jockey. AP still wanted time to think, but Pipe was in a hurry to replace Dunwoody and abruptly hired David Bridgwater instead.
Although this was a disappointment, it wasn't the end of the world and AP got back to chasing his ambition of riding 100 winners in a season, a target he reached on Amber Valley at Nottingham on January 17th.
Although this was a disappointment, it wasn't the end of the world and AP got back to chasing his ambition of riding 100 winners in a season, a target he reached on Amber Valley at Nottingham on January 17th.
AP ended the 1995-96 season the Champion jockey with 175 winners, the youngest champion since Josh Gifford in 1962-63. This was 45 more than David Bridgwater had ridden and, in a shock phone call, David told Pipe that he was leaving. AP never became Pipe's stable jockey: instead an arrangement was agreed allowing his agent to book AP any of Pipe's horses that the jockey wanted to ride. The beauty of this set-up was that AP was still able to ride for up-and-coming trainer Paul Nichols. Or so it seemed. This delicate balancing act hit the buffers when AP informed Nicholls that he would be riding Cyborgo for Martin Pipe in a Newton Abbot race instead of Flaked Oats for the now-irate Nicholls.
AP ended the 1995-96 season the Champion jockey with 175 winners, the youngest champion since Josh Gifford in 1962-63. This was 45 more than David Bridgwater had ridden and, in a shock phone call, David told Pipe that he was leaving. AP never became Pipe's stable jockey: instead an arrangement was agreed allowing his agent to book AP any of Pipe's horses that the jockey wanted to ride. The beauty of this set-up was that AP was still able to ride for up-and-coming trainer Paul Nichols. Or so it seemed. This delicate balancing act hit the buffers when AP informed Nicholls that he would be riding Cyborgo for Martin Pipe in a Newton Abbot race instead of Flaked Oats for the now-irate Nicholls.
Citing a gentleman's agreement between himself and the jockey, which, Nicholls argued, AP had broken, he said 'Philip Hide will in future have first choice on my horses.'
Citing a gentleman's agreement between himself and the jockey, which, Nicholls argued, AP had broken, he said 'Philip Hide will in future have first choice on my horses.'
It was the first major setback of AP's blossoming career. The next came four days later, January 23rd, at Wincanton when taking a heavy fall from Speedy Snapsgem at the first fence in the Maurice Lister Maiden Chase. He was given oxygen and stretchered to the course medical room. He had suffered two fractured bones in his left shoulder and was taken to Yeovil District Hospital for X-rays. It was 27 days, 19th February, before AP was seen in the saddle again. He'd recovered before Cheltenham.
It was the first major setback of AP's blossoming career. The next came four days later, January 23rd, at Wincanton when taking a heavy fall from Speedy Snapsgem at the first fence in the Maurice Lister Maiden Chase. He was given oxygen and stretchered to the course medical room. He had suffered two fractured bones in his left shoulder and was taken to Yeovil District Hospital for X-rays. It was 27 days, 19th February, before AP was seen in the saddle again. He'd recovered before Cheltenham.
A year earlier he had never even been to the racecourse: now, having won the Arkle on Or Royal, he then preceded to win the Champion Hurdle on the breath-taking novice Make A Stand and the Gold Cup on the equally impressive Mr Mulligan, both trained by Martin Pipe. AP finished the year as champion jockey with 175 winners.
A year earlier he had never even been to the racecourse: now, having won the Arkle on Or Royal, he then preceded to win the Champion Hurdle on the breath-taking novice Make A Stand and the Gold Cup on the equally impressive Mr Mulligan, both trained by Martin Pipe. AP finished the year as champion jockey with 175 winners.
One highlight of the following season was his win in the Scottish Grand National on Belmont King, earlier withdrawn from the re-run 'bomb scare' Grand National won by Lord Gyllene. Another high spot came at Cheltenham, where he rode five winners including Champleve, who beat the Richard Dunwoody-ridden Hill Society by a short head in a memorable Guinness Arkle Trophy. His winning effort on Pridwell in the Martell Aintree Hurdle on April 4th in which he just beat Charlie Swan on Istabraq was voted by poll as the outstanding ride of the year.
One highlight of the following season was his win in the Scottish Grand National on Belmont King, earlier withdrawn from the re-run 'bomb scare' Grand National won by Lord Gyllene. Another high spot came at Cheltenham, where he rode five winners including Champleve, who beat the Richard Dunwoody-ridden Hill Society by a short head in a memorable Guinness Arkle Trophy. His winning effort on Pridwell in the Martell Aintree Hurdle on April 4th in which he just beat Charlie Swan on Istabraq was voted by poll as the outstanding ride of the year.
The 1997 -98 season saw AP deliver a 30% strike rate winning 253 races from 831 rides. This dropped to a still-impressive 24% strike rate the following year when riding 186 winners from 768 mounts.
The 1997 -98 season saw AP deliver a 30% strike rate winning 253 races from 831 rides. This dropped to a still-impressive 24% strike rate the following year when riding 186 winners from 768 mounts.
Five years and 45 days after his début, AP became the youngest jockey to win 1,000 races over jumps, which did it in record time, reaching the landmark (on Majadou at Cheltenham) in about half the time it took Peter Scudamore and Richard Dunwoody. That season, at Sandown on 18th February, 2000, AP nursed an exhausted Mr Cool up its final hill to record his 200th winner of the season. A high at Cheltenham was Edredon Bleu's brilliant Queen Mother Champion Chase victory; the devastating low came in the Gold Cup with the fatal fall of potential super-star Gloria Victis.
Five years and 45 days after his début, AP became the youngest jockey to win 1,000 races over jumps, which did it in record time, reaching the landmark (on Majadou at Cheltenham) in about half the time it took Peter Scudamore and Richard Dunwoody. That season, at Sandown on 18th February, 2000, AP nursed an exhausted Mr Cool up its final hill to record his 200th winner of the season. A high at Cheltenham was Edredon Bleu's brilliant Queen Mother Champion Chase victory; the devastating low came in the Gold Cup with the fatal fall of potential super-star Gloria Victis.
AP produced his joint best-ever strike rate (31%) when riding 245 winners from 803 rides in during the following season.
AP produced his joint best-ever strike rate (31%) when riding 245 winners from 803 rides in during the following season.
By the end of April, 2001, AP had landed his seventh consecutive championship. He reached another milestone on 25th February 2002 when winning on Going Global at Plumpton, his 250th winner of the season. Two months later, at Warwick, he was celebrating his 270th victory (on Valfonic), thus breaking Sir Gordon Richards’ 55-year-old record for the number of winners in a season. AP’s final total was 289 wins from 1006 rides.
By the end of April, 2001, AP had landed his seventh consecutive championship. He reached another milestone on 25th February 2002 when winning on Going Global at Plumpton, his 250th winner of the season. Two months later, at Warwick, he was celebrating his 270th victory (on Valfonic), thus breaking Sir Gordon Richards’ 55-year-old record for the number of winners in a season. AP’s final total was 289 wins from 1006 rides.
On 27th August 2002, AP – now 28 and taking his 6,336th ride in Britain - became the most successful jump jockey in the world when, at Uttoxeter, chalking up win number 1,700, he passed Richard Dunwoody’s record, which had stood for just three years. The breeches he wore that day were raffled in aid of the Twin Towers Fund.
On 27th August 2002, AP – now 28 and taking his 6,336th ride in Britain - became the most successful jump jockey in the world when, at Uttoxeter, chalking up win number 1,700, he passed Richard Dunwoody’s record, which had stood for just three years. The breeches he wore that day were raffled in aid of the Twin Towers Fund.
In April the following year, AP suffered a personal loss when his original mentor, Billy Rock, died of cancer, aged 59. AP had first met him when aged 12.
In April the following year, AP suffered a personal loss when his original mentor, Billy Rock, died of cancer, aged 59. AP had first met him when aged 12.
On 14th April 2004, Jonjo O’Neill approached AP offering him the job as stable jockey at Jackdaws Castle (O’Neill’s yard). The offer, wrapped in a handsome financial retainer courtesy of J. P. McManus, came with obvious risks, mainly ‘would he still be champion jockey if he rode for Jonjo and not Martin?’ AP accepted the offer and rode plenty of winners for the stable during the summer months, moping up many ‘mickey mouse’ races, but it soon became apparent that Jackdaw was way short of the Pipe ammunition in the major races. Then the stable was hit with a virus that threatened to the close down the yard. Incredibly, in his first season away from Pipe, he rode another 200 winners.
On 14th April 2004, Jonjo O’Neill approached AP offering him the job as stable jockey at Jackdaws Castle (O’Neill’s yard). The offer, wrapped in a handsome financial retainer courtesy of J. P. McManus, came with obvious risks, mainly ‘would he still be champion jockey if he rode for Jonjo and not Martin?’ AP accepted the offer and rode plenty of winners for the stable during the summer months, moping up many ‘mickey mouse’ races, but it soon became apparent that Jackdaw was way short of the Pipe ammunition in the major races. Then the stable was hit with a virus that threatened to the close down the yard. Incredibly, in his first season away from Pipe, he rode another 200 winners.
AP married that September; he had known his bride-to-be, Chanelle Burke, for nine years. They honeymooned in Deia, set deep in the Tramuntana mountains, some hour’s drive from Majorca’s Palma Airport.
AP married that September; he had known his bride-to-be, Chanelle Burke, for nine years. They honeymooned in Deia, set deep in the Tramuntana mountains, some hour’s drive from Majorca’s Palma Airport.
2006 brought a stunning victory on Brave Inca in the Champion Hurdle. This followed AP’s first Cheltenham Festival winner in the J P McManus colours, Reveillez in the Jewson Novices Handicap Chase. Having ridden four consecutive double centuries, his total win dipped to 178. This included a terrific win on Exotic Dancer at Cheltenham in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on November 11th
2006 brought a stunning victory on Brave Inca in the Champion Hurdle. This followed AP’s first Cheltenham Festival winner in the J P McManus colours, Reveillez in the Jewson Novices Handicap Chase. Having ridden four consecutive double centuries, his total win dipped to 178. This included a terrific win on Exotic Dancer at Cheltenham in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on November 11th
AP’s lowest seasonal total as champion was 140, recorded in the 2007-08 campaign.
AP’s lowest seasonal total as champion was 140, recorded in the 2007-08 campaign.
His memorable handling of Wichita Lineman in the William Hill Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival of 2009 was easily the ride of the year: seldom has such tenacity and doggedness been shown, and he richly deserved his last stride win over long-time leader Maljimar. Witchita Linesman died shortly after in the 2009 Irish Grand National. That season he rode his 3,000th win over jumps: Restless D'Artaix at Plumpton on February 9th 2009.
His memorable handling of Wichita Lineman in the William Hill Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival of 2009 was easily the ride of the year: seldom has such tenacity and doggedness been shown, and he richly deserved his last stride win over long-time leader Maljimar. Witchita Linesman died shortly after in the 2009 Irish Grand National. That season he rode his 3,000th win over jumps: Restless D'Artaix at Plumpton on February 9th 2009.
AP had the choice of two mounts for the 2010 Grand National, Can't Buy Time and Don't Push It. Unable to choose between them, he left it to Jonjo to decide. Jonjo nominated Don't Push It. Good call. Having shaken off Black Apalachi at the elbow, AP and Don't Push It drew further away. On his 15th attempt, AP had finally won the greatest race of them all.
AP had the choice of two mounts for the 2010 Grand National, Can't Buy Time and Don't Push It. Unable to choose between them, he left it to Jonjo to decide. Jonjo nominated Don't Push It. Good call. Having shaken off Black Apalachi at the elbow, AP and Don't Push It drew further away. On his 15th attempt, AP had finally won the greatest race of them all.
2010 was a vintage year for AP. On March 16th, at Cheltenham, Binocular – earlier declared as a non-runner – sprinted up the hill to give AP his third Champion Hurdle victory.
2010 was a vintage year for AP. On March 16th, at Cheltenham, Binocular – earlier declared as a non-runner – sprinted up the hill to give AP his third Champion Hurdle victory.
Four days later, on the ill-fated Synchronised, he landed the John Smith's Midland Grand National, just beating L'Aventure at Uttoxeter.
Four days later, on the ill-fated Synchronised, he landed the John Smith's Midland Grand National, just beating L'Aventure at Uttoxeter.
Then, watched by 12 million viewers, AP became the first racing figure to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year, polling 41.98% of the votes. He received his award from Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas saying: 'This is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in front of so many amazing sportspeople, so may people whom I look up to and watch all the time on the television.'
Then, watched by 12 million viewers, AP became the first racing figure to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year, polling 41.98% of the votes. He received his award from Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas saying: 'This is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in front of so many amazing sportspeople, so may people whom I look up to and watch all the time on the television.'
AP logged 218 winners from 885 mounts in the 2010-11 season, a highlight of which was his victory on the tenacious Alberta's Run in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
AP logged 218 winners from 885 mounts in the 2010-11 season, a highlight of which was his victory on the tenacious Alberta's Run in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
He was back at Cheltenham the next year, winning the Gold Cup on old favourite Synchronised. The joy was short-lived; three weeks later AP and Synchronised teamed up for the Grand National. The Gold Cup winner fell at Becher's before running loose and fatally injuring himself.
He was back at Cheltenham the next year, winning the Gold Cup on old favourite Synchronised. The joy was short-lived; three weeks later AP and Synchronised teamed up for the Grand National. The Gold Cup winner fell at Becher's before running loose and fatally injuring himself.
The highlight of the 2013-14 season was undoubtedly AP reaching the hitherto inconceivable milestone of 4,000 winners: he did this on Mountain Tunes at Towcester on November 7th.
The highlight of the 2013-14 season was undoubtedly AP reaching the hitherto inconceivable milestone of 4,000 winners: he did this on Mountain Tunes at Towcester on November 7th.
When, on 7th February 2015, AP drove Mr Mole to victory at Newbury thus reaching the 200 winner mark for the tenth time, Noel Fehily – who'd finished third on Karinga Dancer – was the first to offer congratulations.
When, on 7th February 2015, AP drove Mr Mole to victory at Newbury thus reaching the 200 winner mark for the tenth time, Noel Fehily – who'd finished third on Karinga Dancer – was the first to offer congratulations.
'Cheers, Noel.' said AP. 'Oh, I've got a bit of news for you. I'm going to retire.'
'Cheers, Noel.' said AP. 'Oh, I've got a bit of news for you. I'm going to retire.'
It was the beginning of the end and the start of the long goodbye. The last Cheltenham ride..the last Grand National ride...so it went on.
It was the beginning of the end and the start of the long goodbye. The last Cheltenham ride..the last Grand National ride...so it went on.
Eleven weeks later, riding Box Office, he made his way down the Rhododendron Walk at Sandown to arrive at the starting gate for the very last time. The was to be no fairytale tale ending as Box Office finished third, but, as the curtains closed on a truly remarkable career, the reception he got from an ecstatic crowd reduced the jockey to tears.
Eleven weeks later, riding Box Office, he made his way down the Rhododendron Walk at Sandown to arrive at the starting gate for the very last time. The was to be no fairytale tale ending as Box Office finished third, but, as the curtains closed on a truly remarkable career, the reception he got from an ecstatic crowd reduced the jockey to tears.
Big Race Wins
Big Race Wins
Grand Nationals
Grand Nationals
Scottish Grand National – Belmont King (1997)
Scottish Grand National – Belmont King (1997)
Irish Grand National – Butler's Cabin (2007)
Irish Grand National – Butler's Cabin (2007)
Midlands Grand National - Synchronised (2010)
Midlands Grand National - Synchronised (2010)
Welsh Grand National – Synchronised (2010)
Welsh Grand National – Synchronised (2010)
The Grand National – Don't Push It (2010)
The Grand National – Don't Push It (2010)
Cheltenham Festival
Cheltenham Festival
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
Black Jack Ketchum (2006)
Black Jack Ketchum (2006)
Witchita Linesman (2007)
Witchita Linesman (2007)
At Fishers Cross (2013)
At Fishers Cross (2013)
Arkle Challenge Trophy
Arkle Challenge Trophy
Or Royal (1997)
Or Royal (1997)
Champleve (1998)
Champleve (1998)
Well Chief (2004)
Well Chief (2004)
Byrne Group Plate
Byrne Group Plate
Majadou (1999)
Majadou (1999)
Cathcart Challenge Cup
Cathcart Challenge Cup
Cyfor Malta (1998)
Cyfor Malta (1998)
Royal Auclair (2002)
Royal Auclair (2002)
Champion Bumper
Champion Bumper
Liberman (2003)
Liberman (2003)
Champion Hurdle
Champion Hurdle
Make A Stand (1997)
Make A Stand (1997)
Brave Inca (2006)
Brave Inca (2006)
Binocular (2010)
Binocular (2010)
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
Mr Mulligan (1997)
Mr Mulligan (1997)
Sychronised (2012)
Sychronised (2012)
County Hurdle
County Hurdle
Blowing Wind (1998)
Blowing Wind (1998)
Alderwood (2012)
Alderwood (2012)
Festival Trophy Handicap Chase
Festival Trophy Handicap Chase
Wichita Lineman (2009)
Wichita Lineman (2009)
JLT Novices' Chase
JLT Novices' Chase
Noble Prince (2011)
Noble Prince (2011)
Taquin Du Seuil (2014)
Taquin Du Seuil (2014)
Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase
Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase
Reveillez (2006)
Reveillez (2006)
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase
Kibreet (1996)
Kibreet (1996)
Edredon Bleu (1998)
Edredon Bleu (1998)
Alderwood (2013)
Alderwood (2013)
Pertemps Final
Pertemps Final
Unsinkable Boxer (1998)
Unsinkable Boxer (1998)
Queen Mother Chase
Queen Mother Chase
Edredon Bleu (2000)
Edredon Bleu (2000)
RSA Chase
RSA Chase
Albertas Run (2008)
Albertas Run (2008)
Ryanair Chase
Ryanair Chase
Albertas Run (2010, 2011)
Albertas Run (2010, 2011)
Uxizandre (2015)
Uxizandre (2015)
Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Hors La Loi lll (1999)
Hors La Loi lll (1999)
Other Big Races
Other Big Races
Aintree Hurdle
Aintree Hurdle
Pridwell (1998)
Pridwell (1998)
Jezki (2015)
Jezki (2015)
Ascot Chase
Ascot Chase
Tresor de Mai (2002)
Tresor de Mai (2002)
Tiutchev (2003)
Tiutchev (2003)
Bet 365 Gold Cup
Bet 365 Gold Cup
Bounce Back (2002)
Bounce Back (2002)
Hennessy (2009)
Hennessy (2009)
Betfred Bowl
Betfred Bowl
Tiutchev (2004)
Tiutchev (2004)
Exotic Dancer (2007)
Exotic Dancer (2007)
Celebration Chase
Celebration Chase
Edredon Bleu (2001)
Edredon Bleu (2001)
Seebald (2003)
Seebald (2003)
French Opera (20110
French Opera (20110
Champion Four Year Old Hurdle
Champion Four Year Old Hurdle
Shaunies Lady
Shaunies Lady
Christmas Hurdle
Christmas Hurdle
Straw Bear (2006)
Straw Bear (2006)
Binocular (2010, 2011)
Binocular (2010, 2011)
Darlan (2012)
Darlan (2012)
My Tent Or Yours (2013)
My Tent Or Yours (2013)
December Festival Hurdle
December Festival Hurdle
Brave Inca (2005)
Brave Inca (2005)
Fighting Fifth Hurdle
Fighting Fifth Hurdle
Straw Bear (2006)
Straw Bear (2006)
My Tent Or Yours (2013)
My Tent Or Yours (2013)
Galway Hurdle
Galway Hurdle
Toast the Spreece (1997)
Toast the Spreece (1997)
Thomas Edison (2014)
Thomas Edison (2014)
Galway Plate
Galway Plate
Finger On the Pulse (2010)
Finger On the Pulse (2010)
Carlingford Lough (2013)
Carlingford Lough (2013)
Hatton's Grace Hurdle
Hatton's Grace Hurdle
Brave Inca (2006)
Brave Inca (2006)
Jezki (2013)
Jezki (2013)
Hennessy Gold Cup (Ireland)
Hennessy Gold Cup (Ireland)
Carlingford Lough (2015)
Carlingford Lough (2015)
International Hurdle
International Hurdle
Valiramix (2001)
Valiramix (2001)
Binocular (20080
Binocular (20080
Irish Champion Hurdle
Irish Champion Hurdle
Brave Inca (2006)
Brave Inca (2006)
King George Vl Chase
King George Vl Chase
Best Mate (2002)
Best Mate (2002)
Lexus Chase
Lexus Chase
Exotic Dancer (2008)
Exotic Dancer (2008)
Synchronised (2011)
Synchronised (2011)
Liverpool Hurdle
Liverpool Hurdle
Galant Moss (1999)
Galant Moss (1999)
Deano's Beano (2003)
Deano's Beano (2003)
Long Walk Hurdle
Long Walk Hurdle
Deano's Beano (2002)
Deano's Beano (2002)
Big Buck's (2011)
Big Buck's (2011)
Melling Chase
Melling Chase
Viking Flagship (1996)
Viking Flagship (1996)
Albertas Run (2010)
Albertas Run (2010)
Don Cossack (2015)
Don Cossack (2015)
Morgiana Hurdle
Morgiana Hurdle
Brave Inca (2005)
Brave Inca (2005)
Paddy Power Gold Cup
Paddy Power Gold Cup
Cyfor Malta (1998)
Cyfor Malta (1998)
Lady Cricket (2000)
Lady Cricket (2000)
Shooting Light (2001)
Shooting Light (2001)
Exotic Dancer (2007)
Exotic Dancer (2007)
Powers Gold Cup
Powers Gold Cup
Like-A-Butterfly (2005)
Like-A-Butterfly (2005)
Justified (2006)
Justified (2006)
Gilgamboa (2015)
Gilgamboa (2015)
Punchestown Champion Hurdle
Punchestown Champion Hurdle
Brave Inca (2005)
Brave Inca (2005)
Jezki (2014)
Jezki (2014)
Tingle Creek Chase
Tingle Creek Chase
Master Minded (2008)
Master Minded (2008)
Tolworth Hurdle
Tolworth Hurdle
Iznogoud (2000)
Iznogoud (2000)
Royal Boy (2014)
Royal Boy (2014)
Victor Chandler Chase
Victor Chandler Chase
Nordance Prince (2000)
Nordance Prince (2000)
Master Minded (2011)
Master Minded (2011)
World Series Hurdle
World Series Hurdle
Derrymole (1998)
Derrymole (1998)
Refinement (2007
Refinement (2007