Jockey Tony McCoy has announced that he will retire from horseracing at the end of the season.

The 40-year-old winner of 19 consecutive jump jockey titles has more than 4,300 winners to his name.

“I spoke to JP [McManus] about it," an emotional AP told  Rupert Bell of Racing UK at Newbury today. "He’s the only person I spoke to about it until Monday evening I got my agent, Dave Roberts, down to the house for something to eat - Chanel my wife didn’t even know.

"Having spoke to JP and Dave about it I just thought the time was right. I wanted to hopefully retire while I was champion jockey – 20 is a good number. I wanted to go out relatively at the top.

"Time waits for no man, does it. So it’s not going to wait for me. I am (emotional), yeah, cos I love riding."

Retirement for @AP_McCoy !! Here's your 1st ride Champ. Will have to go to @Sandownpark for your last ! Stay safe... pic.twitter.com/JUWrkG9sXE

— Pat Healy (@patcashhealy) February 7, 2015