TONY McCoy is racing’s Muhammad Ali.

Simply "The Greatest" there has ever been for a long, long time.

Some doubted his worthiness to take the 2010 Sports Personality of the Year trophy, but I bet they are eating their words now.

Even a non racing fan can appreciate that winning 4,000 times at anything is incredible.

I am sure there were many at Thursday’s Towcester meeting, who, watching McCoy bob up and down aboard Mountain Tunes at two out, were sad they were not going to see a piece of history made.

But never say never, as the pair were practically carried over the line in first place.

If cheers came in waves, McCoy had a sea’s worth.

Credit to the horse too, an inexperienced type which could have bottled it on the taxing ground.

McCoy has every right to be a cocky sole, but it’s humbling how pleasant he comes across.

With a lovely family in tow, and dedicating his magic winner to his agent’s late father, he is a champion in every sense of the word.

How the Flat is going to live up to Thursday’s exploits this afternoon I really don’t know.

Personally I’m glad it’s time for the last big staying handicap at Doncaster; cold winters are for shivering on a racecourse watching the jumpers slog it out.

However, I like the chance of Bohemian Rhapsody in this race (3.35).

He has been bumped up by the handicapper for three wins and one of those I witnessed at Chepstow on a quicker surface.

He was impressive to these eyes and followed up in the mud at Ffos Las so there’s no doubt about today’s ground and a break will have freshened him up.

The National Hunt declarations aren’t out as I write so I’m sticking at this northern venue for the day’s second selection.

Hallelujah (2.25) handled the soft on her debut three years ago and she’s been in good form this year.

There’s never much between the sprinters and her mare’s allowance might come in handy in the closing stages.

But even if these are successful, there is only one winner this week. He can be found dressed in green and yellow on a TV near you.