3,000 up for master McCoy
It was not just a smile of triumph.
It was a smile of utter relief after a day of drama at Plumpton which saw the champion jockey survive a crashing fall before at last, at long last, recording the 3,000th win of his career.
Snow, ice, rain, plus bad luck too, had delayed McCoy reaching the milestone this past fortnight.
But now immortality was his on a French-bred horse called Restless D’Artaix.
And you had to be in the weighing room as he was applauded to the scales and afforded a standing ovation by all his fellow jockeys to appreciate the respect and affection in which McCoy is held in the toughest of professions.
Why? Because he is a master of his tradeand the humblest of heroes.
“I feel very privileged to have ridden 3,000 winners when the jockeys who came before me, who were as good as or better than me, didn’t ride as many,” was his typically modest verdict.
“I hope my mum and dad will be very proud and when (daughter) Eve grows up someone will tell her that I was an all right jockey.”
At which point he popped the cork on a bottle of champagne and showered an already sodden entourage.
Three thousand winners over the jumps. Sounds easy when you say it quickly. But think about it, 3,000 winners.
The first one coming aboard Riszard – he was also his first National Hunt ride - at Gowran in April 1994.
Every one since a tribute to McCoy’s courage and relentless staying power in almost 17 years in the professional saddle.
How appropriate then that before he accepted the acclaim, there was a reminder of just how fragile is the career of a jump jockey.
ON 2,999 and galloping home on Miss Sarenne in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide, McCoy was eight lengths clear as he approached the final flight.
The photographers trained their lenses on the finishing line. History looked home and hosed until, that is, his mount clipped the obstacle and McCoy flew out of the saddle.
“Very disappointing,” was McCoy’s response. “But I’m a jump jockey, horses are going to fall. You just have to get on with it.”
Happily, Miss Sarenne and rider were unhurt and the drama only added to the sense of destiny on a filthy day.
McCoy arrived with four chances and the omens seemed good when his first mount, Excape, was awarded the prize for the best turned-out horse.
Sadly, appearances can be deceptive and by the turn on the second circuit Excape had engaged reverse, slowing to a walk and finishing a couple of football pitches behind the winner.
One down, three to go.
To the Chris Poole And George Ennor Memorial Handicap Hurdle and a ride aboard the Jim Best-trained Hello Moscow.
If ever there was a mud wrestle this was it, Hello Moscow battling it out with Maraafeq down the back straight, water spraying behind them like juggernauts on the M6.
A late run from Spider Boy almost caught McCoy on the line but somehow he held on by a neck.
2,999 and counting.
Back slaps in the winner’s enclosure. A quick snap with the owners. A swift slurp of sweet tea.
Forty minutes later he was leading Miss Sarenne back in, rubbing his bruises, covered in mud and no little embarrassment.
So it was left to Restless D’Artaix in the oh-so-inappropriately titled Beginners’ Steeple Chase to carry McCoy to his date with history. History which might not be eclipsed this century.
And if such history came splattered in mud and stained in sweat amid the gloom then it was beautiful for all that.
