As Tony McCoy retires, the picture that bridges 25 years of winners
THIS is champion jockey Tony McCoy – who announced his plans to retire yesterday – after his very first race at Phoenix Park.
A quarter of a century later, the Irish legend has won over 4,000 races and plans to hang up his whip at the end of this season.
But yesterday he was reminded of his very first ride at the tender age of 15. The image of a fresh-faced McCoy was taken by Kerry photographer Pat Healy, who promises to attend McCoy’s last race, scheduled for Sandown.
The legendary jockey left school to follow his passion and rode his first winner at 17.
With 200 winners to his name this season, McCoy is certain to win an unprecedented 20th championship in a row. He told Channel 4 Racing: ‘Having spoken to Dave (Roberts, agent) and JP McManus, I am going to be retiring at the end of the season. This is without a doubt, the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I’ve been dreading this day and, if I’m honest, I still can’t quite imagine life without racing.’
He went on: ‘However, I know it’s the right time to end a career I’ve loved, every single day.’
Tributes poured in for the Antrim man. Great rival Richard Johnson told The Racing Post: ‘He’s dominated our sport and it is a shock. His memory will go on for a long time.’
Ruby Walsh said: ‘He was so damn good that he always made you try harder. He’s just brilliant. What makes Messi? What makes Ronaldo? What made Federer?
‘It’s kind of strange to say that when someone is so good, but I’ll probably miss riding against him.’