AP McCoy's last Saturday rides at Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse paid tribute to one of their key jockeys on Saturday (March 21.) It was the last time Tony McCoy's would ride at one of his 'local' racecourse's popular Saturday meetings. To mark the occasion, the Racecourse made a presentation to him after the first race.
Brian Stewart-Brown, a member of the racecourse's board of directors, presented AP McCoy with a photographic montage showing some of his greatest Newbury rides.
Among them was a photograph of his victory on Mr Mole in the Betfair Price Rush Steeple Chase on February 7. It was while walking to the winner's stand after that race McCoy told Channel 4 Racing he was retiring at the end of the season.
Following the presentation on Saturday he told the parade ring announcer that he would be back to watch racing at Newbury: "It's just fifteen minutes down the road from home."
While he is always in demand for an autograph, McCoy did not have too good a day in the saddle on Saturday. He rode in five of the seven races and took one third place.
He did tell Channel 4 Racing that he did not yet know which horse he would be riding in next month's Crabbie's Grand National - Shutthefrontdoor or Cause of Causes. But he did say that if he won the race, he would probably retire immediately.
Local trainer Neil King had no winners on the Newbury card - the second day of the racecourse's Spring Jumps Meeting - though Lil Rockerfeller came home fourth in the Doom Bar Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
However, King had sent eight year-old Milansbar and stable jockey Trevor Whelan the 680-mile trip from Barbury to Kelso. And Milansbar won the £25,000 three miles and three furlong Thakeham handicap hurdle. One to watch when he turns to fences next season.