Jockeys Championship: Changes made to Jump Racing title dates
In a shock announcement the British Horseracing Authority have announced that his year's Jump Jockeys' Championship will now not conclude until December 31.
The 2015 championship will finish at new fixture to be run at Cheltenham on New Years Eve.
"The new format provides a more compelling storyline for new and existing racing fans,and will keep AP McCoy racing for an extra 8 months" a Great British Racing statement read.
British racing's promotional and marketing body hopes the changes will increase participation in the title race.
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght
These changes are clearly designed to extend the "Catch AP McCoy Roadshow". While the champion jockey may have a sufficient lead over his nearest pursuer Tom Scudamore to sit out the 8 months until the 2015 title is awarded, it may be prudent for him to continue riding until later in the year to secure his twentieth title.
AP McCoy was unavailable for comment. His wife Chanelle was said to be "fuming".
This year's Champion Jockey will receive £25,000, while the jockey who rides the most winners in Britain during the calendar year will win £15,000.
Meanwhile Jockey Tom Scudamore welcomed the move, saying the changes will "help raise the profile of the sport".
