Emotional McCoy finishes third in Sandown swansong

Tony McCoy had to settle for third aboard Box Office on the final ride of his career in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.

The crowds cheered McCoy from the moment he entered the paddock to mount the 5-2 favourite, applauding him the past the stands on the way to the start of the two-and-a-half-mile heat.

Another shout of approval heralded the start, with McCoy settling Box Office towards the rear in the early stages before he started to manoeuvre across the track as the race began in earnest.

However, despite travelling well three flights from home, the Jonjo O’Neill-trained runner found little under pressure and had to settle for a place behind Brother Tedd (9-1).

A tearful McCoy said: “It’s amazing. I’ve been so lucky all my life. I’ll never forget this day.”

McCoy was mobbed by fervent racegoers upon his return from the track, where he was given a hero's welcome.

“It’s been a very emotional day and thanks to everyone for coming,” he said.

“It’s fantastic, it’s very special.

“I would like to thank all the racing public for coming here.

“It’s a day I’ll never forget.”

O’Neill joked: “The way he rode that, he’ll never ride for me again!

“He’s the greatest man in the game. He’s good to work with, a true professional .

“What I can say does not justify how great he is.

“We will not see the like of him again.”

Winning rider Richard Johnson has continually finished runner-up in the title race to McCoy and paid an emotional tribute to his long-time rival and friend.

He said: “It’s a sad day. He’s been one of my best friends for a long time.

“It’s great to ride a winner but it’s an amazing day for him, he’s the one we should look at today.

“He’s been a great friend and to work with, I couldn’t sit next to a better fellow.

“Twenty years of good memories and we will still be friends for a long time.”