Perennial champion jump jockey Tony McCoy has set himself an immediate target of reaching 4000 career winners before he even begins to contemplate a life away from the saddle.

McCoy, who turns 39 this year, has been crowned British champion for the past 17 seasons and now stands less than 200 winners shy of the 4000 mark with his 18th title already on the horizon.

"I get asked that question (how long he can go on for) quite a lot," McCoy told BBC Radio 5.

"I'm very aware that time is the enemy of every sportsperson and I have been very lucky that I have been champion jockey since the first year I was riding.

"... I do like to set myself targets and goals, and at the moment that (4000) is the goal. Who knows what happens after that but I am fully aware that I don't want to carry on too long and have people thinking I'm not as good as I was or I shouldn't be riding any more or past my best."

McCoy said he had given some thought to becoming a trainer.

"Obviously I'd like to stay in racing as it's been good to me," he said. It's a great way of life, a great sport and there's great people in racing.

"I always said I thought I'd be more interested in training Flat horses but then you have to take on Aidan O'Brien, John Gosden, Richard Hannon, whoever it may be and if you don't want to take them on you shouldn't be doing it.

"Whether it would be for me or not, I don't know.

"I've always thought if I'm thinking about doing things other than riding then maybe I shouldn't be riding.

"It's the day I'm looking forward to least. I am dreading the day I won't be able to ride any more.

"I hope that I can retire at the top of my profession and in one piece, injury free, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't dread it."