AP McCoy Announces Retirement from Racing After 2015 Season

AP McCoy has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2015 season, stating his intention to leave racing while he's "still enjoying" the sport.

Speaking to Channel 4 Racing (h/t BBC Sport), the 19-times champion jump jockey confirmed this campaign as his last shortly after taking his 200th win of the season:

"

I want to go while I'm still enjoying racing and while I am still near the top. This is without a doubt the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I've been dreading this day. However, I know it's the right time to end a career I've loved.

Even when I've fallen and been injured, I've been desperate to get back and achieve my goals, achieve the dream I realised when I was a boy but I'm now ready to retire. I want to finish my career as champion jockey, and I want to finish on a win. I don't know when that will be exactly, but 20 championship titles is a nice even number.

"

Even at the age of 40, the County Antrim native possesses the same desire for racing as he did during his days as a budding star, except now his trophy collection has the bulk to back up such passion.

Fellow jockey Ruby Walsh was quick to praise his peer, according to At the Races:

Injuries have taken their toll on the veteran, too, with BBC Sport detailing the extent of McCoy's endless list of ailments and broken bones down the years:

McCoy won his first Grand National in 2010 aboard Don't Push It, the same year in which he became the first jockey ever to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

His will be a difficult persona to replace in the world of racing, with McCoy taking his steps toward retirement as arguably the greatest ever to have ridden at this level.