Dr Shenkin, who has two other UK horses in training, said: ‘There were massive cheers as Tony crossed the line – its probably the biggest thrill we’ve had as owners.’The eight-year old Magical Bailiwick was expected to start favourite for the valuable Connaught Cup Handicap Chase, but the official handicapper had raised the horse’s weight by 18 pounds following his Cheltenham victory on New Year’s Eve, and he was allowed to start at 3/1.After matching strides with Tremalt for most of the near three-and-a-quarter mile trip, Magical Bailiwick forged ahead over the last fence and, under a typical McCoy drive, went clear to score an historic victory.Thus the eight times champion became the first jump jockey in Britain to ride 2,000 winners.’It was an easy win in the end,’ said Dr Shenkin, adding that he would still probably wait another year or so before considering entering the horse, which he bred, for the Grand National.Magical Bailiwick has now won five races, the first of them in 2001 when ridden by Ian’s son Gordon Shenkin.
Gordon and his brother Andrew were at Wincanton to share the special moment and it was clear from the smiles in the unsaddling enclosure that they were proud to have provided the champion with this milestone success.
Years from now the question, ‘What horse did Tony McCoy ride to score his 2,000th win?’ will be the stuff of pub quizzes around the country.Officials at Wincanton marked the occasion by presenting Tony McCoy with a magnum of champagne.
But for the Shenkins the reward was their share of the £15,457 winner’s prize money, the trophy and memories to last a lifetime.Dr Ian Shenkin is the senior medical officer of the Jersey Race Club and regularly officiates at Les Landes race meetings.Gordon Shenkin has ridden several winners and even embarked on a career as a professional jockey until increasing weight brought an end to his plans.
