Tony McCoy broke his own record for the fastest double century in jump racing when winning the first race at Sandown Park today.
McCoy reached the figure on Mr Cool, trained by his boss Martin Pipe, in the Fox 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.
The victory was like so many in McCoy's glittering career, as he set up a healthy lead on Mr Cool, the 13-8 favourite.
Mr Cool's advantage had been reduced approaching the second last and it required all of the champion jockey's strength to secure a three-quarter length victory over Chalmers Place.
McCoy, beating the record he set in 1998 by 10 days, returned to warm applause.
After being presented with a magnum of champagne, he was typically modest when reflecting on his feat.
He said: 'I thought the last time I rode 200 winners, I'd never do it again. To be honest it's quite surprised me I've done it so quick.'
Mr Cool's owner, Nick Mills was happy to be a part of racing history and he said: 'They are a brilliant team, Mr McCoy and Mr Pipe. It's been an amazing run by Mr McCoy and I think he'll reach 300 the way he's going.'
Mr Cool, extending his unbeaten sequence to five, has entries at the Cheltenham Festival but Pipe's representative, David Richmond said: 'I think Aintree is more of a possibility. He's won a bumper there.
'This horse just keeps improving and he's become a very hard horse to pass.'
