McCoy: I want to retire at the top . . . but not just yet

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McCoy, who needs five winners to become the first National Hunt jockey to reach the 3,000 barrier, is not currently considering retirement but is determined to end his career at the very top where he has been since his 13-year reign as champion jockey began in 1995-96.

"I have never once thought how long I would ride for, but I'd hate to think I was going out to ride as just an okay jockey," he said before five rides at Ludlow today. "I would like to retire as champion jockey but it's stupid to even think about giving up when you have the good horses I have at my disposal."

Few would bet against the 34-year-old getting the five winners needed to reach the 3,000 landmark this week, although anyone foolhardy enough to want to can get 11-4 with Ladbrokes, and the bookmaker thinks he will go on for a while yet.

Ladbrokes offer just 6-4 that he rides over 3,600 winners and, judging by McCoy's comments in an interview in today's Daily Mail, that could be a good bet.

"Some people lose their nerve or will to win, but I don't think that will happen to me," he said. "I'd like to believe I've the intelligence to give up at the right time. It's when I'm not as successful, that's what will make me give up.

"At the start of each season my sole aim is to be champion jockey again. I know I'm going to work like mad from the beginning of May until the end of April with 100 per cent commitment. If you give that, you retain the support of the people who keep you at the top."

Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular is one horse he says he "would not swap" come the Cheltenham Festival in March, but McCoy's favourite horse of all time is revealed as Martin Pipe's staying hurdler Deano's Beeno. "He was a real character and not often the most co-operative," he said.

"I was suspended for giving him a crack with the whip before the start once, but I admired him. He'd keep going and never give up. If I was a racehorse, I would be like him, a bit tricky but if you encourage me enough, I'd keep going."