AP McCoy hits milestone with 4,000th career win

Tony McCoy created history at Towcester when Mountain Tunes provided the jockey with his 4,000th career win over jumps.

McCoy reached the magic milestone with the second of two rides at the Northamptonshire circuit after the Jonjo O'Neill-trained 6-4 favourite struck in the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle.

The 39-year-old, who has been crowned champion jockey 18 times, achieved the unprecedented landmark in the colours of owner JP McManus, to whom he has held a retainer for the last nine years.

McCoy had made no secret of his desire to secure his 4,000th winner in the green and gold silks of McManus.

McCoy was earlier out of luck aboard the O'Neill-trained and McManus-owned Church Field (3-1 favourite) in the Agetur UK Handicap Hurdle, having been applauded into the parade ring by racegoers and well-wishers under blue skies.

McCoy said: "It was just amazing, it couldn't have worked out any better.

"To do it for Jonjo and the McManus's is brilliant as they've been so good to me.

"It was always hopefully going to be in JP's colours.

"Racing people are fantastic, they are so pleased for me.

"I've had the same agent, Dave Roberts, from day one and his dad sadly passed away yesterday so I'd like to dedicate this to him.

"To have Chanelle (wife), Eve and Archie (children) here is great and to do it in the McManus silks means a lot - Eve thinks they belong to me!"