The greatest-ever jump jockey AP McCoy said he misses the thrill and danger of riding – as he discusses who could win Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Sir AP McCoy rode a record 4,358 winners, was Champion Jockey a record 20 consecutive times, won the Gold Cup twice – in 1997 with Mr Mulligan and 2012 with Synchronised – and the 2010 Grand National on Don’t Push It.
The married father-of-two retired in 2015 and was knighted by the Queen the following year, with his record of racing wins unrivalled anywhere in the world. Now a part of ITV Racing’s coverage for the four-day festival, the 51 year-old William Hill ambassador has sat down with the Daily Express to explain the magic of Cheltenham – and who could win Friday’s big race.
Explaining what makes Cheltenham unique, AP said: « If you come here on Friday and you have a look around you’ll realise what’s different about it.
« It’s the highlight of the year in jump racing, the most difficult race to win – the best horse wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup. That’s what makes it special.
« We’ve last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin coming back to try and win it but if someone told you on a Friday night that one of any of the 10 horses won the Gold Cup you wouldn’t be shocked.
« So, that’s what makes it brilliant. »
Having ridden in 19 Cheltenham Gold Cups, AP admitted he was « lucky to win two » – saying the second time on Synchronised was « my best day in racing. »
He went on: « When I was a kid I really wanted to be a jockey, that was the dream and I lived the dream – and I’m very lucky now that I can go and talk about racing but it’s not the same. »
Reflecting on how much he misses the thrill – and danger – of being in the saddle, he added: « I like the structure, the discipline.
« It’s a very difficult thing because I’ve had friends who have been fatally injured, or had life changing injuries – but I miss the danger, I miss living on the edge and I miss winning more than anything else.
« But when you’re competing there’s two ambulances going round behind you, so as much not as you love winning, you know the dangers there too.
« You can’t replace it that thrill – you just have to learn to live with it. You just have to realise how lucky you are to have lived like that. I think sports people are the only people who could die twice. »
And giving his tip for who could win the Gold Cup at 4pm on Friday, AP said: « It’s like all elite sport, it isn’t meant to be easy – and you can have the most talented horse but you’ll have to be the toughest one too.
« The ground will have a big factor. Gaelic Warrior is probably the most talented horse and could be the one that could take all the beating.
« The Jukebox Man would be a brilliant winner for the sport, because of Harry Redknapp – but maybe I’d probably go with Spillane’s Tower. »
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