• Horse racing

McCoy may quit 'there and then' if he wins Grand National

ESPN staff
March 21, 2015
AP McCoy is on course to win a record 20th champion jockey title in his final season © Getty Images
Enlarge

AP McCoy says he will probably retire with immediate effect if he wins the Grand National for a second time.

The 19-time champion jockey, who finally won the National at the 15th attempt on Don't Push It in 2010, announced last month that he would bow out of the sport at the end of the current jump racing season, which ends on April 25.

But the 40-year-old told Channel 4 Racing admitted a second victory at Aintree would most likely convince him to walk away two weeks before season's end.

"I think it will probably be the right thing to do," McCoy said. "I think I'll probably stop there and then."

McCoy, who remains on course for a 20th champion jockey crown, is expected to ride the Jonjo O'Neill-trained 8-1 favourite Shutthefrontdoor at the Grand National on April 11, though the form of fellow JP McManus ride Cause Of Causes at Cheltenham might lead to a rethink.

"I think I'm riding Shutthefrontdoor, but Cause Of Causes won at Cheltenham, so he has a good chance now," he told BBC Sport. "Shutthefrontdoor or Cause Of Causes, it will be one of them.

"Winning the Gold Cup at Cheltenham is the pinnacle of your sport - the race everyone wants to win, but the Grand National is the most famous race in the world. It's definitely nice to have won it. I'd love to do it again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices