Champion jumps jockey Tony McCoy has set a new mark for the number of winners after riding It’s A Gimme to victory at Market Rasen.
McCoy joined his old boss, trainer Martin Pipe, on 4191 on Wednesday and posted the record three days later.
The 19-times champion jockey cut a confident figure throughout the two-and-three-quarter-mile (4400m) Listed Summer Plate and slowly eased his mount into contention heading down the back straight.
The seven-year-old looked likely to run away with the prize as he tracked the leaders into the home turn, but his Jonjo O’Neill stablemate, Lost Legend, gave McCoy and punters a real fright.
There was little to chose between the O’Neill pair jumping the final fence, but in trademark fashion McCoy lifted It’s A Gimme home to triumph by a length and three-quarters.
A mud-splattered McCoy walked back to the weighing-room while It’s A Gimme received treatment for exhaustion.
“The record was just a very personal thing between me and Mr Pipe,” McCoy said.
“He set the standard and revolutionised training. He is someone I held in high esteem and we had great times together in my time as his stable jockey.
“We’ve had a bit of banter pretty much since I’ve ridden my 4000th winner.”
McCoy was presented with a 20kg Lincolnshire Poacher cheese by the racecourse management in honour of his achievement.
“As a jump jockey, you take it day by day. I always set myself goals, this was just my next target,” McCoy said.
“I’ve had a good start to the season, now I want to ride my fastest-ever century and to be champion jockey again. If I’m lucky enough to do that it will be my 20th year. That’s my main target at the moment.”
McCoy was planning to visit Pipe who said he was proud of the jockey’s achievement.
“He’s an inspiration to all the jockeys and to everyone in racing,” Pipe said.
“He’s marvellous for our sport and it’s just great we’ve got someone like him.
“Now, he’s finally beaten me. All of us in racing are so proud of him for doing it.”
McCoy soon made it win number 4193 on Parlour Games for trainer John Ferguson in the Novices’ Hurdle.
