Tony McCoy takes all the plaudits despite lack of a Box Office finish

Tony McCoy had to settle for third aboard Box Office on the final ride of his career in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle at Sandown.

The crowds cheered McCoy from the moment he entered the paddock to mount the 5-2 favourite, applauding him the past the stands on the way to the start of the two-and-a-half-mile heat.

Another shout of approval heralded the start, with McCoy settling Box Office towards the rear in the early stages before he started to manoeuvre across the track as the race began in earnest.

However, despite travelling well three flights from home, the Jonjo O’Neill-trained runner found little under pressure and had to settle for a place behind Brother Tedd (9-1).

A tearful McCoy said: “It’s amazing. I’ve been so lucky all my life. I’ll never forget this day.”

McCoy was mobbed by fervent racegoers upon his return from the track, where he was given a hero’s welcome.

“It’s been a very emotional day and thanks to everyone for coming,” he said.

“It’s fantastic, it’s very special. “I would like to thank all the racing public for coming here. It’s a day I’ll never forget.”

McCoy admitted he had endured a sleepless night ahead of his final hurrah.

He said: "I have kind of been getting used to it over the last couple of weeks and that is the reason I haven't ridden much over the last couple of weeks to get me used to retirement. Last night was probably the only time in 40 years that I have not slept and I am a very good sleeper."

The 40-year-old's departure marks the end of his long domination of the National Hunt sphere, which yielded 31 Cheltenham Festival winners as well as two Gold Cups and one famous Grand National success.

McCoy bows out having been crowned the leading rider for the last 20 seasons in Britain, with the trophy awarded for one final time before his ride in the Celebration Chase earlier in the afternoon.

A total of 4,357 career winners have been banked since he first struck gold with Legal Steps at Thurles in March 1992, with Capard King giving him a final triumph at Ayr on April 17th.

He has set reams of records during that time, most notably posting an incredible 289 winners in the 2001-2 season, surpassing Gordon Richards's long-standing record of 269 victories in the process.

McCoy said: "What I'd say to the young lads in the weighing room is to enjoy every minute of it.

"I'm a little embarrassed by everything's that's gone on and I feel very privileged.

"I wish it could go on a little longer I'm sure someone will beat them (his record-breaking achievements) but I hope it's not any time soon."

O'Neill joked: "The way he rode that, he'll never ride for me again!

“He’s the greatest man in the game. He’s good to work with, a true professional .

“What I can say does not justify how great he is. We will not see the like of him again.”

Winning rider Richard Johnson has continually finished runner-up in the title race to McCoy and paid an emotional tribute to his long-time rival and friend.

He said: "It's a sad day. He's been one of my best friends for a long time.

"It's great to ride a winner but it's an amazing day for him, he's the one we should look at today.

"He's been a great friend and to work with, I couldn't sit next to a better fellow.

"Twenty years of good memories and we will still be friends for a long time."

McCoy also had to settle for third aboard Mr Mole in his penultimate ride in the AP McCoy Celebration Chase.

McCoy raced prominently on the Paul Nicholls-trained runner but the writing was on the wall as he began to push along at the third-last fence as eventual winner Special Tiara kicked for home.

While Mr Mole kept on at the one pace, McCoy could not reel back the 3-1 favourite, who ran out a six-length winner.

Former champion two-mile chaser Sprinter Sacre returned to something like his old self in second, with McCoy edged out for third place.

McCoy was given a thunderous reception upon his return from the track with Mr Mole and said: “This is all way beyond my expectations.

“I’ve had a great way of life for the last 25 years, and working with great people has made it that much more enjoyable.”

Winning rider Noel Fehily said of the imminent departure of McCoy: “It’s very sad to see him go. We have been very close for the last number of years and it’s a sad day for racing.”

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Sprinter Sacre, has enjoyed many good days with McCoy, with Champion Hurdler winner Binocular and Grade One scorer My Tent Or Yours two recent stars for the partnership.

Henderson said: “He’s been a great ally, a great friend and a great competitor.

“What a lovely guy to work with. He’s just the ultimate professional.

“We are going to miss him and racing is going to miss him.

“He’s put racing on the front page and has brought this crowd here – that tells you everything.”