Beach life suits AP McCoy at Chepstow

Tony McCoy's farewell tour continued apace as the soon-to-retire champion jockey steered Sebastian Beach to an emphatic victory in the opener at Chepstow.

The rider made the shock announcement on Saturday at Newbury that he was to hang up his boots at the end of the season and there were emotional scenes in the Leopardstown winner's enclosure the following day as he completed a double aboard Hennessy Gold Cup hero Carlingford Lough.

On Monday he hit the target at Catterick, on Tuesday he was among the winners at Ayr and he rode his fourth winner in as many countries in as many days aboard Jonjo O'Neill's 8-11 favourite in the Best Free Bets At thebookiesoffers.co.uk Juvenile Maiden Hurdle in Wales.

The market leader was quickly bowling along at the head of affairs and did not see another rival as he eased four and a half lengths clear of Eminent Poet.

O'Neill told At The Races: "He's an honest horse and he jumps well and he stays well, AP says. As usual he gave him a good ride.

"You would think three out he was going to get swallowed up, but he keeps plugging away and AP said at the winning post he was going as well as he was at any time during the race."

The Jackdaws Castle handler admits McCoy's retirement will leave a big hole in his own career.

Asked whether he felt the perennial champion had made the right decision, O'Neill quipped: "It's not (the right decision) for me. I wanted him to keep going for a few more years!

"I'd say everyone is happy in the weighing room. I'm the only one that's sick

"He could easily ride 5,000 (winners). I don't know what his problem is!

"He's a great guy to work with. There's no messing, the job is done and it's straight to the point, which is great.

"He'll be very sadly missed."