The highlights of Tony McCoy's 4,000 wins – in pictures

Tony McCoy wasn't successful on his first ride, he was unplaced in a Flat race on Nordic Touch at Phoenix Park in September 1990, where trainer Jim Bolger was on hand to offer some pointers. Photograph: Pat Healy

McCoy steers Or Royal to victory in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in 1997, his first Festival winner for trainer Martin Pipe, with whom he enjoyed a long and successful association. Photograph: Barry Batchelor/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The 18-times (and counting) champion jockey celebrates victory on Make A Stand in the 1997 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Photograph: Julian Herbert/Getty Images

1997 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Mr Mulligan, a 20-1 shot ridden by McCoy, clears a fence on his way to victory Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

McCoy rides Mighty Montefalco to victory at Cheltenham in 2002. His 1,700th winner was a new record at the time for a jump jockey. Photograph: Julian Herbert/Getty Images

McCoy rides triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, left, to victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton in 2002. Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

A mud-spattered McCoy after dismounting in the winner's enclosure following his 3,000th winner. Restless d'Artaix was the horse who carried him to the milestone at Plumpton in February, 2009. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

McCoy poses with connections including Jonjo O'Neill and JP McManus after one of his most celebrated victories on board Wichita Lineman at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival. The horse had made so many mistakes his task appeared hopeless but the rider galvanised him to record an incredible success. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

The jockey's finest hour. McCoy has often said that his victory aboard Don't Push It in the 2010 John Smith's Grand National was his most memorable. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

More Cheltenham Festival glory. Tony McCoy clears the final fence on the first lap of the course on his way to winning the Gold Cup in March 2012 aboard the ill-fated Synchronised. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill, the horse was put down after breaking a leg in the following month's Grand National. Photograph: Dan Rowley/ Dan Rowley/Colorsport/Corbis

McCoy celebrates his 4,000th victory as he crosses the winning line after a remarkable ride on Mountain Tunes in the Weatherbys Novice Hurdle at a crowded Towcester racecourse Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

A tender moment after victory as the record breaking jockey kisses his baby son Archie Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian