Racing great Martin Pipe says the time is right for 19-time champion jockey Tony McCoy to retire, hailing him as "the best of all time".
McCoy, the most successful jump jockey in history, announced his decision to bow out by the end of the season following his triumph atop Mr Mole in Saturday's Betfair Price Rush Chase at Newbury - his 200th victory of the campaign.
The Irishman etched his name in history by surpassing Pipe's record of 4,191 winners last year.
And Pipe - who combined with McCoy for over 1,550 of those wins during a highly successful career as a trainer - paid tribute to the 40-year-old.
"The time had to come, I was very surprised," he told BBC Radio 5Live. "I was lucky to be at Newbury, it was a great shock for everyone, but it is the right time to do it I'm sure.
"AP has been the best of all time there's no doubt about that, it will be his 20th championship we hope.
"He's never been beaten, he's always been champion. Racing has prospered with him being champion."
McCoy has triumphed in horse racing's biggest races, ending his wait for Grand National glory in 2010 on Don't Push It, while he also won the Champion Hurdle on three occasions and the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice.
No official date has been set for his retirement, with McCoy stating he has yet to decide upon the ideal time to walk away.
"I honestly don't know when I'll stop," he told talkSPORT. "I decided this would be my last season and [agent] Dave [Roberts] said I should announce it beforehand.
"Other things were discussed like going out on a winner but I honestly don't know.
"I'll ride at Cheltenham and Aintree but after that I don't know whether it will be the last day of the season or go out on a winner, we'll get the big meetings out of the way first."