A.P. MCCOY’S surprise announcement of his decision to retire at the end of the season came as the multiple champion jockey was being interviewed on Channel 4 by Rishi Persad following his 200th win of the season.

This was recorded in scintillating fashion in the Betfair Price Rush Chase (Grade 2) at Newbury on Mr Mole who, trained for J.P. McManus by Paul Nicholls, was notching up his fourth straight victory over fences and his eighth career success.