AP McCoy, the 18-time champion jockey, rode five winners at Carlisle yesterday to leave him just 16 off the momentous 4,000 career mark.

The five-timer took McCoy to 104 winners this season — 48 clear of nearest pursuer Noel Fehily. That is despite McCoy missing the start of the season with broken ribs.

Four of the winners came in the colours of boss JP McManus. They included Milan Bound, a promising Jonjo O’Neill novice hurdler, and Charlie Longsdon’s Pendra, who looked to have the potential to contest top novice chases after he was successful on his fencing debut.

He also won on Upswing, Finding Your Feet, plus the Nicky Richards-trained chaser Tutchec.

Coral are taking bets on which track McCoy will reach 4,000 on. They make Ascot’s jumps meeting a week tomorrow the 4-1 favourite.

McCoy has eight racing days before then. Coral spokesman Davis Stevens said: It would be fitting if victory No 4,000 came at the home of British Champions day, as British racing has no finer champion than AP.’

British racing has reached a four-year Levy agreement with the bookmaking industry which, together with Betfair’s contribution, should yield £80.2 million for the sport during the 2014-15 financial year.