The former Take That star was enlisted to perform at Irish jockey AP McCoy’s retirement party over the weekend.

The stars were out in force in Limerick at the weekend, attending a lavish retirement party for legendary jockey AP McCoy.

“His record speaks for itself and you don’t ride the big winners he’s had without being top drawer in every department."

And so, on a routine Sandown Saturday it all came to an end and AP McCoy’s last competitive ride, Box Office will enjoy an historic legacy way above his ability as a racehorse.

In a marquee at Sandown Park at the conclusion of one of the most beautiful, emotional tear-stained goodbyes any great sportsman can ever wished to have been accorded came the dreaded, nagging question. What the hell will A.P McCoy do now?

It’s the ultimate paradox. For AP McCoy, serial winner, the great motivator remains the fear of failure, writes Liam Mackey

AP McCoy calls time on the most successful career in the history of jump racing today and I would have made sure I was in Sandown for it to join in on the celebrations, whether I had a ride or not, writes Ruby Walsh

AP McCoy is likely to be more sought-after than ever as he unexpectedly became available for a ride in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on the final day of the jumps season.

 

Irish punters will splash an estimated €30m on the Grand National today as racing legend AP McCoy bows out of the sport.

More than 10,000 volunteers of all ages clad in hi-vis gear swept through Limerick city and county yesterday leaving a trail of spick-and-span neighbourhoods in their wake.

Limerick rolls up its sleeve today as a 10,000-strong volunteer army sets out to tackle tons of rubbish strewn along streets and by-ways in the city and county.

Jonjo O’Neill feels Shutthefrontdoor has the right credentials to give AP McCoy an unforgettable final ride in the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week.

One of the biggest racing crowds of the year is expected to be boosted next weekend by confirmation that the Fairyhouse Grand National meeting will be AP McCoy’s last Irish engagement before his retirement.

AP McCoy’s Irish Hennessy victory aboard Carlingford Lough sparked emotional scenes at Leopardstown last month, but there will barely be a dry eye in the house if the duo can repeat the trick in Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Tears in AP McCoy’s enclosure as perennial champion jockey steers 16/1 shot home in front of family