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Live Reporting

Jamie Strickland

All times stated are UK

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  1. Thanks and goodbye

    AP McCoy

    So that's it. After a glorious career stretching back more than two decades, 20 Champion Jockey titles and 4,357 winners, the career of AP McCoy has come to an end.

    The great man could not quite sign off with a winner on his final outing, but that will not matter one jot to the millions who have delighted in his successes down the years.

    Well done AP McCoy. What a ride it's been.

    Read Frank Keogh's report here.

  2. McCoy news conference

    "Someone's going to ride more winners than me. All records get broken. I hope I'm dead, though."

    McCoy
  3. McCoy news conference

    "Richard Johnson helped me to achieve what I achieved. We've been the greatest rivals and the greatest friends."

    Richard Johnson won AP McCoy's final race on board Brother Tedd, and is now tipped as one of the men most likely to succeed him as Champion Jockey next season, having finished as runner-up to McCoy on 16 occasions.

  4. McCoy on the emotions of the day

    "There were tears coming back on Box Office. There were nearly tears going out on Box Office."

    McCoy farewell
  5. McCoy news conference

    McCoy is holding a news conference, where he is joined by JP McManus & Jonjo O'Neill.

    "I feel very lucky I have ended my career in one piece," says the 20-time champion jockey.

    He adds: "I've got nothing to look forward to now... except the wife and kids."

    Frank Keogh
  6. Post update

    Cornelius Lysaght

    BBC horse racing correspondent at Sandown

    No winners for McCoy on final day so name of Capard King, Ayr, Fri 17 April goes into history as 4357th & last winner

  7. Post update

    Frank Keogh

    BBC Sport at Sandown

    The 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, racing's 'Iron Man', choking back tears as he headed into weighing room for last time at Sandown.

  8. 'The greatest man in the game'

    Trainer Jonjo O'Neill joked: "The way he rode today, he'll never ride for me again.

    "It's the greatest man in the game. He's a true professional. What I can say will not justify how good he is. We'll never see his likes again."

    McCoy number one
    Image caption: The number one
  9. Emotional McCoy on 'amazing' send-off

    An emotional AP McCoy on Channel 4 Racing: "It's amazing. I can't believe what's happening. I've been so lucky all my life. I'll never forget this day.

    "It's been a very emotional day. I want to thank everyone for coming out, the racing public. All my family were here, too, so it's very special. It's been unbelievable, a day I'll never forget."

    AP McCoy
  10. Tears for McCoy

    An emotional McCoy waves to the crowd as he drinks in their applause and cheers for the last time.

  11. BREAKING NEWS - McCOY THIRD IN FINAL RACE

    It would have been too perfect, wouldn't it?

    McCoy was always in the mix but in the final analysis it never looked like being a winning ride for McCoy on Box Office.

    The win instead goes to Richard Johnson on Brother Tedd.

  12. One circuit to go

    McCoy is in the midfield as the pack passes the main grandstand to huge cheers.

    What can he do from there?

    Six to jump.

  13. A little late, but we're off

    The final race of AP McCoy's career is under way.

    Sandown expects.

  14. The final approach

    Honest Frank twitter pic

    BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: Champion jockey AP McCoy heads out for the final ride of his career, on Box Office, at Sandown.

  15. Box Office finish?

    OK, we're just about there.

    The brilliant career of AP McCoy will be over in just a few minutes from now.

    Whatever happens, his legacy is assured. But a win would be a rather wonderful finsh.

    Box Office, if you will.

  16. What they said: McCoy tributes

    Legendary former BBC broadcaster Sir Peter O'Sullevan: "He has been something very special. Apart from his amazing record, he has grown in stature as a person. It is a credit to him that he has never become big-headed."

    Peter O'Sullevan
  17. Magical McCoy moments - Gold Cup victory No.2

    McCoy claimed his second Cheltenham Gold Cup win aboard Synchronised in 2012.

    Going off at 8-1, Synchronised grabbed the lead over the final fence and held off the challenge of 50-1 outsider The Giant Bolster.

    "He's an amazing horse and it was an amazing performance. He's really delivered," said McCoy.

    mccoy synchronised goldcup
  18. 'It's all been worth it'

    McCoy's wife Chanelle on Channel 4 Racing: "The reception he's had and the send off is incredible.

    "It's richly deserved, he might be a bit uncomfortable with it but all the hours he's put in, all the nights in the hospital and all the nights he's gone to bed hungry. It's all worth it.

    "Now he can spend time with the kids, he can eat and he can play golf. We can cook potatoes!"

  19. McCoy's catalogue of injuries

    McCoy has famously suffered more than his fair share of bumps and scrapes on his way to writing his substantial entry in racing's history books.

    Broken bones, punctured lungs, shattered teeth, all are listed in gruesome detail below.

    With one race to come, let's all hope there are no late additions to the list.

    BBC
  20. 'He wants to ride off into the sunset'

    Fellow jockey Ruby Walsh tells Channel 4 Racing: "It's a great day, a great crowd here to see him.

    "To fulfil all your dreams and be able to walk away on your own terms is amazing.

    "He's quiet today. He's hoping his horse can win and he can ride off into the sunset. For me it's a proud day to be here to watch him."

  21. Walking out for the last time

    McCoy has just walked out for his final race.

    Camera shutters are clattering and the 40-year-old signs autographs as he walks.

    I have to say he looks pretty relaxed.

  22. Cheers for the champion

    BBC Sport's Frank Keogh took this picture of McCoy after he received the Champion Jockey trophy for the 20th time.

    Frank Keogh
  23. Magical McCoy moments - a trip to the Palace

    McCoy received an OBE for his services to racing in June 2011.

    He received the gone just weeks after securing his 16th Champion Jockey title, and a little over a year on from winning his first Grand National on Don't Push It.

    McCoy OBE June 2011
  24. AP McCoy - a career in pictures

    We hope we're bringing up only the very best AP McCoy images from the BBC's picture mine this afternoon, but should you feel the need to check out some more then you could do worse than explore our career in pictures gallery.

    AP McCoy
  25. What they said: McCoy tributes

    Jockey Ruby Walsh, friend and rival: "He was so damn good that he always made you try harder. He has set standards and targets that are going to be in the history books for a long, long time and to be able to say I rode with him, and beat him the odd time, is a privilege.

    "He's just brilliant. What makes Messi, what makes Ronaldo, what makes Federer, what made any of them? They are just unbelievably talented."

    AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh
  26. McCoy a 'single-minded professional'

    Cornelius Lysaght

    BBC horse racing correspondent at Aintree

    "Amidst all the piles of McCoy stats, there's one that stands out for me: despite being on the tall side and naturally heavier than many riding weights, he's never once put up overweight.

    "Nothing demonstrates better his single-minded, professional approach.

    "Now much of the talk is of his future, though what about racing's? Of late, so much of the sport's undoubted positive profile has been built on his broad back. The challenge now is to keep that energy going in life after McCoy."

  27. Magical McCoy moments - named Sports Personality for 2010

    McCoy SPOTY 2010

    McCoy was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December 2010, edging out Jessica Ennis and Phil Taylor to the award.

    He earned nearly 42% of the public vote to become the first jockey to receive the honour, eight months on from winning the Grand National for the first time.

  28. Watch: BBC Sport's McCoy tribute

    McCoy

    Filmed after he claimed his 4,000th career victory in 2013, BBC Sport pays tribute to McCoy in this video.

    A nice watch for Johnny Cash fans too.

  29. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  30. What they said: McCoy tributes

    Martin Pipe, 15-time champion trainer: "He is the best we have ever seen. He has such a dedication to winning. It's been a privilege to know him. It's very emotional, we will miss him tremendously. He would never admit defeat, he was always trying to win."

    AP McCoy and Martin Pipe
  31. 'The best things in my life are behind me now'

    More from McCoy on the final day of his racing career. He told Channel 4 Racing: "Like any sportsperson, I'm blessed to live my life doing something I love.

    "My advice to all the lads in the weighing room would be to enjoy every moment because it goes so quickly.

    "I found the people I worked with were very loyal and that's important in any walk of life. It's easier to be good at something if you like the people you're doing it with.

    "I'm going to be looking behind me for the first time in my life because the best things in my life are behind me now and that's going to be tough."

    McCoy receives guard of honour
  32. Centre of attention

    McCoy

    I was tempted to make a Where's Wally gag at this point, but to be honest it would be pretty misguided as there's little confusion as to who the main man is in this shot.

  33. Magical McCoy moments - finally winning the National

    Going into 2010, McCoy had won every major horse race, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase, but the world's most famous race - the Grand National - had eluded him.

    That all changed on 10 April when McCoy rode Don't Push it to victory at Aintree to win jump racing biggest event at the 15th time of asking.

    AP McCoy wins the Grand National on Don't Push It
  34. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  35. One more dream for McCoy

    Can AP secure a perfect send-off in the final race of his career at 16:25 on Box Office?

    McCoy told Channel 4: "He's well named. It would be nice. Hopefully he's got a chance.

    "I couldn't have picked a more competitive race to end with. I've dreamt all my life, so I might as well dream one more time."

  36. 1997: Joining the ranks of the big-race winners

    McCoy 1997

    Despite the overwhelming late-Eighties feel to the mobile phone in his hand, I'm reliably informed that this picture of a youthful McCoy is actually from 1997.

    The year was a seminal one for McCoy, bringing him breakthrough wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Mr Mulligan and Champion Hurdle on Make A Stand (below).

    AP McCoy
  37. McCoy's top 10 horses

    Last month McCoy revealed to the BBC the 10 favourite horses he has ridden in his storied career.

    Discussing the sad fate that would befall his top pick, McCoy said: "I cried for days afterwards. That affected me more than any other horse. It's personal and that's why he's number one."

    You can read the article full here.

    AP McCoy, Synchronised and Jonjo O'Neill
  38. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  39. Pretenders to the throne

    Cornelius Lysaght

    BBC horse racing correspondent at Aintree

    The retirement of AP McCoy blows wide-open the race to be his successor.

    There may never be 'another McCoy' but somebody will fill the big boots that have fitted the 20-time champion so snugly for two decades.

    Cornelius Lysaght takes a look at the likely candidates.

    Who will replace AP?
  40. Sad news among the celebrations

    BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: "Sad to report that the racehorse Rolling Aces has died after collapsing on the walkway when returning from the last race at Sandown."

    Rolling Aces died after the 2.35 race.

  41. Sandown 3.15 result

    1. Special Tiara (N D Fehily) 3-1 Fav

    2. Sprinter Sacre (Nico de Boinville) 4-1

    3. Mr Mole (A P McCoy) 4-1

  42. Third for McCoy in penultimate race

    It was not to be for McCoy in the race named in his honour.

    He led for much of that race but faded with around three jumps remaining. McCoy and Mr Mole come home in third place, behind the winner Special Tiara and second-placed Sprinter Sacre.

  43. McCoy still out front

    McCoy is going to be very much in the mix come the finale. Still he leads with four to jump.

  44. They're under way

    God's Own is an early faller. Six runners left.

    With 11 to jump McCoy and Mr Mole are out in front.

  45. Forming up for penultimate race

    They're getting ready for the start of the AP McCoy Celebration Chase, McCoy's penultimate race.

    McCoy's mount, Mr Mole, is the horse on which he had just won his 200th race of the season when he announced his retirement plans in February.

    At 4-1, Mr Mole is second favourite behind Special Tiara.

    Sprinter Sacre is also among the seven runners.

  46. Get involved - tweet #bbcracing

    What's your favourite AP McCoy moment?

    Get in touch via Twitter using #bbcracing

  47. What they said: McCoy tributes

    Sir Alex Ferguson, racehorse owner and former Manchester United manager: "Only people who have had to live with great expectations can understand why they should go out at the top. That expectation is indescribable, losing was never an option for Tony. Only winning mattered."

    Sir Alex Ferguson and AP McCoy
  48. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  49. Maximum respect

    Guard of honour for AP McCoy

    BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter:Jockeys' guard of honour for 20-time champion AP McCoy at Sandown on final day of his riding career.

  50. He could do another year - Wright

    Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright had this to say to BBC Radio 5 live prior to presenting McCoy with his champion jockey trophy:

    "He's unbelievable with all the injuries. He's broken almost every bone in his body - I still complain about my little ankle ache.

    "It seems to me he still has the desire to race. I think he could do another year but I won't say anything - his missus will kill me."

  51. Finally it's mine!

    AP McCoy after being presented with the champion jockey's trophy - which he has won 20 times: "Thanks to the British Horseracing Authority for letting me keep the trophy. I've had it for a long time."

    McCoy
  52. Huge roars as McCoy comes out for penultimate race

    Just under 20 minutes now until his penultimate race and McCoy walks out to a guard of honour from his fellow jockeys.

    An emotional-looking McCoy gets a quick kiss from his wife as he waits to receive the Champion Jockey trophy for the 20th time. Arsenal legend Ian Wright will present the trophy, which McCoy will now be allowed to keep.

    A quick chorus of "For he's a Jolly Good Fellow" rings out.

    We should be hearing a few words from him shortly.

  53. Takes one to know one

    Dame Judi Dench has just been on Channel 4 paying tribute to AP McCoy.

    "It's great to be able to meet him and say: 'you're a legend'," the Oscar-winning actress said.

    Must be pretty surreal for Dame Judi Dench to be saying that to you...

  54. It's a keeper

    Souvenir racecard at Sandown

    Today's souvenir racecard at Sandown.

  55. Johnson a fitting winner on special day

    Frank Keogh

    BBC Sport at Sandown

    "Quite fitting that Richard Johnson should ride a big winner, with Menorah trained by Philip Hobbs, on the day of AP McCoy's farewell.

    "Johnson has been runner-up 15 times in the jockeys' championship to McCoy but remains a friend as well as rival.

    "Earlier he said: 'It's sad that he won't be sat next to me. He's a good friend as much as anything else. In a racing point of view, I'm quite glad he won't be there to do me on the line before the winning post comes.'"

  56. Sandown 2.35 result

    1. Menorah, R Johnson 11-4 Fav

    2. Al Ferof, Sam Twiston-Davies 7-2

    3. Third Intention, D A Jacob 8-1

  57. Hello, old friend

    Here's a nice moment from a little earlier today as McCoy leads Don't Push It round the ring parade.

    The two of course famously combined to win the 2010 Grand National.

    AP McCoy and Don't Push It
  58. Magical McCoy moments - 4,000 winners

    McCoy celebrates his 4,000 winner

    When McCoy rode his 1,876th winner, at Uttoxeter on 27 August 2002, he broke the record of Richard Dunwoody for most winners by a jump jockey.

    In the years that followed McCoy raised the bar to staggering heights and on 7 November 2013 was able to celebrate his 4,000th winner, reaching the milestone on Mountain Tunes at Towcester.

  59. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  60. 'I've always lived in the fear of carrying on too long'

    Frank Keogh

    BBC Sport at Sandown

    Father-of-two McCoy admits he has little idea what he will do after retirement, and reluctantly decided to stop riding competitively.

    "I love riding, I love my job and like every sportsman I just wished it was never going to happen," he told the BBC.

    "I've always lived in the fear of carrying on too long, or maybe not being as successful as I was, or maybe not as good as I was.

    "I always had it in my head that I wanted to get out while I was champion jockey. I know it's the right decision. I never wanted it to happen that people were thinking I was not as good as I was."

    Read more from Frank Keogh here.

  61. What the papers say

    McCoy on his 'broken heart'

    Guardian

    AP is the main man on the front of The Guardian's sport section, with a wide-ranging interview by Donald McRae inside.

  62. Get involved - tweet #bbcracing

    Not the real McCoy

    Mark Pougatch as AP McCoy

    BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght on Twitter:All the fun of the fair & indeed seaside as @markpougatch 'emulates' the champion jockey.

  63. Flying squadron

    McCoy in action on board Colour Squadron

    I'm throwing this in for no other reason than I like the picture and the headline.

    That said, this was not an insignificant occasion.

    Competing at his final Cheltenham Festival just last month, McCoy is here pictured in full flight - literally - on Colour Squadron during the JLT Novices Chase.

  64. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  65. What the papers say

    Racing Post

    The front page of today's Racing Post is a cracker. It's a mosaic of AP McCoy's greatest moments. Notice the the A and the P in the masthead, too. A collector's item.

    The Racing Post is also putting together a tribute to AP for Monday - the small matter of a 32-page supplement.

  66. Post update

    Gold Cup-winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill on Twitter:"Can't quite believe this is the last time we will see AP ride. Privileged to call him a friend and have him part of our team for so long."

  67. Get involved - tweet #bbcracing

    Thanks for your AP McCoy tributes and favourite moments. Keep them coming

    Gary Lambert: Winning the Grand National and Wichita Lineman.

    Graeme Baumber: Try talking about McCoy's career without mentioning Wichita Lineman. Incredible ride.

    Harneet Singh: Every McCoy moment is a favourite to me!

  68. Sandown 2:00 result

    1. Lil Rockerfeller, Sean Bowen 5-1 Fav

    2. Sternrubin, R Johnson 6-1

    3. Old Guard, Sam Twiston-Davies 6-1

  69. Sandown honour for McCoy

    McCoy and Brady

    McCoy has already received one award on this landmark day after he was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the bosses at Sandown.

    McCoy, a massive Arsenal fan, received the gong from his childhood hero Liam Brady.

  70. 26 March, 1992: McCoy's first winner

    McCoy recorded the first winner of his career on 26 March 1992, aged 17, riding Legal Steps to victory on Flat at Thurles in Ireland.

    Four days earlier Nigel Mansell had won the second race of the new F1 season in Mexico on his way to the world title, while just a day earlier England lost to Pakistan by 22 runs in the final of the Cricket World Cup and football league side Aldershot went out of business.

    Imran Khan

    The build-up to the 1992 General Election was also in full swing, with the polls in March of that year pointing towards a change in leadership, with Labour leader Neil Kinnock expected to replace Conservative leader John Major as PM.

    In the event, Major and the Tories held on to power.

    John and Norma Major

    But of course the best way to date any occasion is to see what was number one in the UK chart on that particular day.

    On 26 March 1992 that honour went to Shakespears Sister's 'Stay', in the sixth of eight weeks at the top.

    Shakespears Sister
  71. Eyes on the prize

    AP McCoy mask at Sandown

    Here's a picture from AP reporter Rob Harris at Sandown. Not sure how happy AP will be with that mask, looks a little creepy.

  72. McCoy's career in numbers

    BBC
  73. Get involved - tweet #bbcracing

    Your magical McCoy moments

    We'd love to hear from you on this landmark day in racing.

    Share your tributes to AP McCoy and let us know your favourite McCoy moment, using #bbcracing on Twitter.

  74. Family affair

    Of course it goes without staying that AP McCoy has his family in attendance today, all willing him on to one final flourish.

    McCoy family
  75. Sold-out and ready to go at Sandown

    Frank Keogh

    BBC Sport at Sandown

    "The sold-out signs are up at the Surrey track for a historic day.

    "A crowd of more than 18,000 is expected to salute one of modern-day sport's iconic figures.

    "And there may be a few teary eyes among the crowd as 20-times champion AP McCoy bids for one final winner from two rides on the last day of a remarkable career."

    McCoy
  76. Good afternoon and welcome

    After more than 16,000 rides and 4,300 wins across more than two decades, the stunning career of AP McCoy will come to a conclusion at around 16:30 BST this afternoon.

    McCoy

    A carnival atmosphere is accompanying the final day of the jump racing season at Sandown, where celebration and sadness are very much the overriding emotions.

    The retiring great has two rides booked today, both of them - fittingly - in the iconic green-and-gold colours of owner JP McManus worn so often by McCoy down the years.

    McCoy's penultimate ride comes in the 15:15 aboard Mr Mole, while his final outing is at 16:25, where he will ride - what else? - Box Office.

    Who writes this guy's scripts?

  77. Standing on the cusp of greatness

    Here's a rare picture. Anthony Peter McCoy at a time when he was NOT Champion Jockey.

    When this snap was taken, in January 1996, this fresh-faced lad was still a few months away from becoming Champion Jockey for the first time.

    How many would have predicted back then that McCoy would retain the title all the way through to his final race at Sandown Park on a spring day in 2015?

    McCoy