AP set for training role with Bailey?

Shrewd trainer Kim Bailey appears to have secured the services of Tony McCoy once the champion jockey retires from the saddle.

Bailey writing in his daily blog today (Wednesday 1 April) announced:

"Exciting news from Thorndale Farm.

"AP McCoy has as you well know ridden many winners for us over the last 12 months and there can't have been many finer rides than his winning one on Un Ace on Sunday; conjuring up a miracle and scrapping home on what was to be his last winner at Ascot.

"There have been of course many other great rides from AP on our horses.. Able Deputy is one who springs to mind.. 4 out of 5 was his record on this horse who shot up from a rating of 122 to 151 under his guidance....

"Anyway the good news is that being so impressed, AP is keen to keep his association with the yard after his retirement.

"As we all know AP is due to retire after either ''winning the Crabbies Grand National'' but failing that on the last day of the Jumps season at Sandown....

"After his final ride, AP looks like heading off on a well earned holiday and then there is a possibly touring opportunity around France as an amateur biker.

"When all that is over AP is keen to become a part of our team here at Thorndale Farm, by becoming a pupil assistant.

"AP so wants to learn, and in the process help Mat and I out when the season starts in earnest in September that he has suggested that he would like to fill that role.

"How wonderful to have him here in that capacity, even if it is probably only part time.

"AP's other commitments should allow him at least 3 days a week here at Thorndale, and the beauty is that we are not too far from his home in Lambourn (45 minutes) which should save him the necessity of moving..

"So excited are we here at Thorndale that we are now in the process of 're branding Thorndale Farm'..

"That's the good news of the day and now back to normal life; one AP will of course become used to by this time next year."