AP McCoy: Cheltenham Festival's last race named after jockey

AP McCoy has ridden 191 winners at Cheltenham, including 30 at the festival

The last race of next week's Cheltenham Festival has been renamed to honour retiring 19-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy.

The AP McCoy Grand Annual Handicap Chase for the Johnny Henderson Challenge Cup is due off at 17:15 GMT on Gold Cup day, 13 March.

The new name, made in agreement with the Henderson family, is for 2015 only.

McCoy announced last month that he would retire by the end of the season, which concludes at Sandown on 25 April.

He has yet to name a final day of riding but considers it "very, very, very unlikely" he will quit at Cheltenham even if he were to land one of the major prizes.

"I am honoured that Cheltenham has decided to have the last race of the festival in my name," said McCoy.

"It is a privilege and I would also like to thank the Henderson family for sharing the title for this year."

The four-day festival begins on Tuesday, with McCoy considering hurdler Jezki as his best chance of victory, in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day.