I guess if anyone deserves a few words of praise on a racing forum, it's AP McCoy. In his retirement, a true legend has been lost to the sport. It can be argued that his deeds in the saddle have been so profound, that they may well never be matched. I read that in chalking up those 20 titles and 4300 wins, AP was probably tossed into the turf about a 1000 times and suffered about 40 or more broken bones. That a man would starve himself for so long and ride 20 pounds below his normal weight, speaks volumes about his dedicated to his chosen profession. Well done sir, enjoy your well earned retirement.
I hope he allowed JP to treat him to a MASSIVE slap-up meal last night. No need to get on the scales this morning AP. Looking back through his career, and having read his autobiography and watched all those tributes on Channel 4 Racing yesterday, the most remarkable thing for me is how he kept his hunger and drive after leaving the Pipe job. By his own admission, when he was riding Martin Pipe's horses in his heyday, he only had to point them in the right direction. To give all that up for a new challenge and having to ride many "less talented animals" but still have the dedication, drive and hunger for every single winner speaks volumes about the man. With most other jockeys, if they are pushing along 2 out on the horse carrying your money, you pretty much know you've done your dough. Not with AP. How often did he get the horse to give more, to find a second wind, to come with a late rattle and get up on the line? I'll go as far to say that the sport will NEVER see his like again, his records will NEVER be beaten. A truly unique sportsman.
I think the quote from JP sums AP up "AP is just different. When you ask him to do something, he doesn't just become involved he gets committed. If it's in a seller or a Gold Cup, if you employ him you're going to get your money's worth". Incredible that he never rode overweight in a race. It has been estimated that hundreds (if not thousands) of horses ran their career best when AP was onboard. Enjoy your retirement AP
Can't add much to what has already been said on here but the emotional interview Dickie Johnson gave to the Plunkett lass having beaten AP in his final race says it all about NH racing for me. Top sport, proper people and AP sat at the top of the tree for 20 seasons. Legend.
