Martin Pipe 'shocked' by Tony McCoy retirement plans

Former racehorse trainer Martin Pipe has described Tony McCoy as the best jockey of all time on the back of the Northern Irishman's retirement announcement.

The 40-year-old revealed earlier today that he plans to call time on his illustrious career at the end of the current racing season.

Pipe, who formed a strong partnership with McCoy by supplying him with more winners than any other trainer on the circuit, was shocked to hear the news, claiming that nobody will ever match the 19-time champion jockey's achievements.

"It's about time. What a shock. He has been an absolute legend for horse racing," Pipe is quoted as saying by the Racing Post. "What he has done will never be surpassed again.

"He is the best we have ever seen. He has such dedication to winning. It's been a privilege to know him. It's very emotional, we will miss him tremendously. He would never admit defeat, he was always trying to win."

McCoy also tasted success in the Grand National on one occasion, with that triumph coming back in 2010 on board Don't Push It.