The incredible Tony McCoy re-wrote the record books yet again, this time for the number of winners ridden in a National Hunt season, when Firetree gave him his 254th success in the Netbetsports Telebet 0800 100 1121 Handicap Hurdle at Huntingdon.
The crowd began to cheer as the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Firetree took up the running going to the second last flight and after a brief scare when Jim Jam Joey headed him on the run-in, McCoy coaxed that little bit more of his mount to get back on top and go one and a half lengths clear.
McCoy received a great reception on his return to the winner's enclosure and after being presented with champagne by the course executive he said with typical modesty: "I just have to steer them.
"The boss (Martin Pipe) did not have a lot at Newbury today and I was struggling to find winners but Dave (Roberts, his agent) said there were some good rides for Jonjo at Huntingdon if I could go there."
He continued: "It was good of the boss to let me off and as usual Dave was right - he does a fantastic job for me and I am lucky to be riding for two great yards like this (Pipe and O'Neill).
"I think 160 to 170 of my winners have been for the boss and that alone would be enough for anyone."
McCoy had equalled his previous best on Shamawan who looked a cut above his rivals in the Peterborough Chase Restaurant Handicap Chase, taking up the running turning for home and passing the post easing down with seven lengths to spare over Copper Shell.
He rode 253 winners during the 1997-98 campaign and he added: "I must admit I did not think I would beat that again, but if you do it once I suppose there is no reason why you can't do it again."
The next record in his sights is the 269 winners ridden in a Flat season by Sir Gordon Richards.
He said: "They are two different times but it would be nice to become the winningmost jockey - and I would just be happy if next week (Cheltenham) goes well!"
He completed a treble for O'Neill and took his score to 255 when Master Tern landed the Huntingdon Racecourse For Functions Novices' Chase and the Jackdaws Castle trainer could not have given the champion greater praise.
O'Neill, a former champion himself, said from Newbury: "I am delighted to have given Tony his record breaking winner, and it is nice to have had a double for JP (McManus, owner of Shamawan and Master Tern).
"Tony is the best there has ever been and I am very happy to have him riding for me and it was very handy that he was able to go to Huntingdon today.
"I think that is 91 for the season for us now and I hope Tony will help us to the century - he is a great man to have on your side."