AP McCoy claims historic 4000th win at Towcester

Tony McCoy is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton

AP McCoy has ridden his 4000^th winner.

The 18-time champion jockey resurrected the challenge of Mountain Tunes who was placed third behind Kris Spin and Panama Petrus in the 3.10 at Towcester, with one fence to jump.

A huge crowd bore witness the landmark return, which many believe will never be beaten.

Today’s win was his last ride of the afternoon. The 6-4 favourite is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by JP McManus.

Tony McCoy is congratulated by fellow jockey Andrew Thornton Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

It is believed that McCoy’s desire was always for his 4000^th winner to carry the colours of McManus and the training hand of O’Neill.

The gallop towards 4000 winners was temporarily halted this week when McCoy failed to return a winner from three rides in Exeter on Tuesday before riding his 3999th on board Minella For Steak in Chepstow on Wednesday.

Tony McCoy riding Mountain Tunes (R) is congratulated by Harry Skelton after victory to give Tony McCoy his 4000th career win. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images