Ladies Day rekindles fond memories for McCoys

Chanelle and AP McCoy with their son Archie and daughter Eve on his retirement day at Sandown. Picture: PA.

On Wednesday May 20, Chanelle McCoy will host the Ardencote Ladies Day at the course where McCoy beat Sir Gordon Richards’ long-standing record of 269 winners in a season on Valfonic in April 2002.

The finale to Warwick’s first season as an all-jumps track will feature fashion shows, best dressed competitions, live performances from singer Andrew James and an action-packed afternoon of racing.

Chanelle said: “It’s lovely to be asked to host Ladies Day at Warwick. Warwick is a racetrack that AP really has fond memories of and he loved riding around there.

“When people ask AP what his greatest achievement was in his career, he says it was beating Sir Gordon Richards’ record at Warwick which is why it’s such a special place.”

McCoy bid an emotional farewell to racing at Warwick’s sister Jockey Club course Sandown Park in April after 20 champion years.

Chanelle said: “For us as a family, it was the most incredible weekend. He never thought he would get that level of affection from the racing public and was very chuffed with it but also a little bit embarrassed because he is a humble type of guy.

“He is not the most emotional guy so for him to shed a tear just showed how overwhelmed he was. For me, there was a huge sense of relief when he jumped the last hurdle because we had got him retired in one piece and injury free, and he was able to walk out of the sport. There are a lot of jockeys who have not been able to do that.

“After the relief, it was very much a celebration. The whole weekend was idyllic.”

Further information including admission prices, which start from £13.50 in advance, are available at warwick.thejockeyclub.co.uk