By Simon Jackson.

Tony McCoy has described his victory on Don’t Push It in the 2010 Grand National as possibly the best day of his life, ahead of his last ride in the world’s greatest steeplechase next month.

McCoy has maintained his usual busy schedule since revealing that he will retire from the saddle this season and has stated his desire to have one more ride in the Grand National before he retires.

And McCoy, whose career highlights include winning Cheltenham Gold Cups on Mr Mulligan and Synchronised, has spoken of his passion for the Grand National ahead of this year’s race on April 11.

“I think maybe my first memory of the Grand National was Last Suspect (1985) when I was about 10 or 11 as I remember my grandmother backing him at 50-1.

“When you start out as a jump jockey, the Grand National is the race you want to take part in and more than that, the race you want to win. It’s the greatest horserace in the world.

“It’s different in that it is the one race everyone around the country and all over the world stops to watch.

“My win on Don’t Push It in 2010 was definitely one of if not the greatest day of my racing career. I had 14 attempts before so to do it for J P [McManus] and Jonjo [O’Neill] made the circumstances very special.

“There were a couple of times before when I thought I was definitely going to win only for circumstances to go against me so I didn’t really believe it with Don’t Push It until around 100 yards from the line. You never win the Grand National until you are past the post.

“I am not sure having the most rides in the Grand National is my most favourite or memorable record to have but it is nice to have all the same. I am fortunate to have won on Don’t Push It and hopefully can add another before I go.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ at London24 for the latest horse racing news.