• Horse Racing

I hoped 4,000th winner would be for JP - McCoy

ESPN staff
November 7, 2013
AP McCoy was glad his landmark winner came for trainer Jonjo O'Neill © Getty Images
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AP McCoy has revealed he had hoped his 4,000th career winner would come in the famous green and gold colours of owner JP McManus.

McCoy achieved the landmark figure after producing a classic ride on Mountain Tunes in the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle at Towcester racecourse on Thursday.

The Northern Irishman was five lengths off the lead when approaching the last fence, but recovered well on Jonjo O'Neill's mount to storm past Kris Spin in the final 100 yards and claim victory by half-a-length.

McCoy, who has been crowned champion jockey for 18 consecutive years, smiled as he crossed the line in the colours which have proved so influential throughout his illustrious career.

McManus celebrated by offering to buy everyone in the racecourse a drink - announced by racecourse officials - while McCoy was quick to share his delight at achieving the winner in the green and gold silks.

"It was just amazing, it couldn't have worked out any better," McCoy said. "Racing people are fantastic, they are so pleased for me.

"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.

"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 [McCoy's 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!"

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