McCoy reaches 2,000 winners landmark

Tony McCoy became the first jumps jockey to ride 2,000 winners in Britain when he partnered Magical Bailiwick to victory at Wincanton today.

The eight-times champion steered home the 3-1 shot, trained by Martin Pipe, by three lengths from Tremallt in the Connaught Cup Handicap Chase.

McCoy was given a rousing reception when he returned to the winner's enclosure on the eight-year-old, owned by the Islands Racing Connection.

“It’s good, I’m pleased to get lucky 2,000,” McCoy told Channel 4 Racing. “I’m been very lucky with my agent Dave Roberts, Toby Balding (who brought him over to Britain) and the boss, Martin Pipe. But he’s been having a bad season with 106 winners, so hopefully when he gets his act together he’ll make it a bit easier for me!

“I knew it was getting close, but didn’t know it was that close until I read the newspaper, so it’s good to do it.

“I’d like to ride another 2,000. The first is history, it’s past, gone. It’ll be just the same when I go racing on Monday again on the next horse.

“It’s about riding the next 2,000. I love the job, it’s great. It’s very depressing when things are not going well and you are not riding winners and you hate it.

“I appreciate that I am lucky. Hopefully, I’ll get lucky a few more times.”