McCoy breaks winners record
3 April 2002
Tony McCoy enters the record books as the jockey to ride the highest number of winners ever in one season
Tony McCoy galloped into the history books at Warwick on Tuesday as hepassed Sir Gordon Richards’s flat record of 269 winners in a season.
He rode back to a hero’s reception aboard Valfonic, his 270th winner, which was appropriately trained by Martin Pipe, the principal source of his incredible string of successes.
Tony had earlier won on Shampooed and Shepherds Rest who put him level with the 55-year-old record.
The six-times champion jockey had endured a lean spell in recent weeks but was clearly delighted.
“Obviously it’s brilliant to get there in the end. It’s taken a while and I thought I’d struggle today. I’m not going to think about reaching 300. I go racing with the same attitude all the time, just trying to ride more winners,” said 27-year-old Tony.
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“It’s all very well me getting the praise from everyone, but I couldn’t do it without the help of Martin Pipe. He is a brilliant trainer and most jockeys could have ridden the winners he has put me on.”
Such aremark is typical of the modesty of McCoy, who will crown an unforgettable week if he can win Saturday’s Martell Grand National on Blowing Wind, one of the Aintree favourites.
Martin Pipe said with a smile: “I’m delighted he was on one of my horses when he broke the record. He richly deserves it because he is dedicated and a fantastic jockey.”
The 11-times champion trainer echoed the sentiments of everyone in racing when he added: “I am thrilled for him.”
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