In the Dunwoody mould: McCoy leads tributes as Aspell signs off at Fontwell

Sir Anthony McCoy, the 20-time champion jockey against whom all other riders are measured, on Sunday paid the retiring Leighton Aspell the ultimate compliment by mentioning him in the same breath as the legendary Richard Dunwoody.

McCoy, who called time on his phenomenal career five years ago, was reacting to the news that the 43-year-old Aspell quit the saddle after riding at Fontwell on Sunday.

Aspell's final mount Itsnotwhatyouthink was backed into 15-8 favouritism for the concluding bumper but was edged out by the Aidan Coleman-ridden Jetaway Joey.

Aspell, who returned to applause from the Fontwell faithful as he dismounted for the final time, won consecutive Grand Nationals in 2014 and 2015 on Pineau De Re and Many Clouds and earned many admirers for his conduct on and off the racecourse.

Many Clouds and Leighton Aspell win the 2015 Grand NationalCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I remember Leighton riding as an apprentice on the Flat and he was always a very good, talented rider, while being a solid person as well," McCoy said.

"He showed by winning two Grand Nationals he was the perfect horseman, but he was a top race-rider as well, and also a great bloke.

"He was a popular lad in the weighing room, very straightforward, and you'd never hear him get cross. He was happy to do his work every day and wasn't a shouter, just a quiet, classy lad."

Saving the highest praise for Aspell, McCoy recalled the three-time champion Dunwoody, among jumping royalty.

He added: "Leighton was a very tactical and technically good rider, kind of in the Dunwoody mould."

Leighton Aspell: end of a fine career

Like Aspell, Tom Garner was an integral part of the National-winning yard of Many Clouds's trainer Oliver Sherwood and he shared warm words of his now ex-colleague.

"He's been extremely important to my career and was a joy to school with in the mornings," Garner said. "He was as brave as a lion.

"He was the only one to school Many Clouds and they were a match made in heaven; they were made for each other. Leighton was the most natural horseman and Clouds the most natural steeplechaser.

"It wasn't just his riding though. He was great with advice, ringing him up about horses he'd ridden and I would then be riding – and that was before and after a race. He was so helpful and knowledgeable.

"I can't really explain how good a guy he is and what an influence he's been on my career – he's a legend."

'It was poetry in motion'

Aspell also won a brace of Welsh Grand Nationals on L'Aventure and Supreme Glory, who was trained by Pat Murphy.

Murphy said: "I think the first winner Leighton rode for me was in 1995, which shows how far we go back.

"He was a fantastic jockey and brilliant horseman and consistent every day of the week, but what set him apart was to watch him school young horses.

"It was poetry in motion. He taught them their job at home and had a great understanding of every aspect of the job. He gave horses confidence in what they did; he never forced the issue and allowed the horse to learn its job.

"He'll be sadly missed and I'm just delighted he's finished on his own terms and he's able to walk away from what has been an amazing career.

"He's been involved in the two greatest days of my career, winning on Supreme Glory at Chepstow and then finishing second on him in the 2003 National, which I think was his first ride in the race."

Affectionately nicknamed 'Lash', Aspell is among the most popular members of the weighing room, something Murphy understands more than most.

He added: "On a personal level, Leighton stepped into the breach when we suffered a family tragedy going way back, without anybody asking him. He just turned up at the yard and stayed for a week, running the operation."

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