IT MAY not have been the Hollywood ending that Tony McCoy would have wanted as he rode Box Office to third in his final ever race at Sandown on Saturday but the final act of his illustrious career meant there was not a dry eye in the house.

The 40-year-old, who is based at Baydon near Marlborough, brought down the curtain as he rode his final two mounts, with Mr Mole claiming third in the bet365 AP McCoy Celebration Chase before finishing in the same place in the bet365 Handicap Hurdle.

The crowds cheered McCoy from the moment he entered the paddock to ride in his last ever race, applauding him 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.

"There were tears on the way back from riding Box Office, I was trying to keep them in," said McCoy who was presented with the trophy for his 20th and final National Hunt jockeys' championship before his last race.

"This has been one of the hardest days of my life, but I needed it to be difficult, otherwise it would have meant I was not as good as I was.

"I am just so proud. The people have been amazing and I have just felt very touched by it all.

"I keep saying, as I have all day, that I have had a very privileged way of life and I am going to miss what I do.

"I always hoped that if I could retire on this day I would, as it is the last day of the season.

"I always hoped that I could be champion jockey, and thanks to the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) as they've let me keep the trophy.

"That was always my dream to walk away at the top. I wanted to get out while I was riding well and as champion jockey.

"If I could manage that I would feel a lot of achievement."

Swindon's seven-time champion jockey, John Francome, gave his own tribute to McCoy. He said: "He has done what he has done by being completely and utterly determined.

"By and large he likes to make horses' mind up for them and that is what has set him apart from other jockeys."