AP quits racing after Arsenal lose

Arsenal fan Tony McCoy has announced he is to retire from racing at the end of the season, prompting a flood of tributes on social media including jokes that the Gunners' loss to Tottenham was the reason for his decision.

McCoy broke the news moments after claiming his 200th winner of the season in the Betfair Price Rush Chase at Newbury.

"Hated riding with u," tweeted former jockey and now trainer Jamie Osborne. "Tried to dislike u but couldn't. Too dedicated. Too strong. Too talented. Wot a career. Wot a man. Well done."

McCoy's fellow Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was quick to praise the champion jockey. Still smarting from the 2-1 defeat at Spurs, Morgan wrote: "That defeat was so bad, Arsenal fan AP McCoy has quit."

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Pougatch agreed with Morgan's sentiments, adding: "I do hope @AP_McCoy isn't in shock & hasn't reacted because of Arsenal's second half surrender at White Hart Lane."

Pougatch, who recently signed a deal to become the face of ITV football, then urged his Twitter followers to see McCoy race live before the end of the season in a more poignant tribute.

"If you get a chance to go racing between now & the end of the season, do; take the chance to see the greatest jockey of all time @AP_McCoy."

Pougatch's BBC colleague Dan Walker tweeted: "Hard to imagine racing without @AP_McCoy. Not sure we will ever see another quite like him."

Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler described McCoy as a "legend" and wished him well in his future ventures. "@AP_McCoy to retire end of season... This man epitomises what a legend is... Good luck in whatever the future brings you AP," Fowler tweeted.

At The Races presenter Matt Chapman tweeted: "No doubt @AP_McCoy will retire as the undefeated champion jumps jockey of the world. Yeeehaaa!"

Megan Nicholls, daughter of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, congratulated McCoy on his 200th win of the season and his decision to call it a day. "Amazing achievement for @AP_McCoy to ride his 200th winner but also a special moment to be announcing his retirement at end of season #champ," she wrote.