A sell-out crowd is expected at Sandown to farewell champion jumps jockey Tony McCoy.

McCoy, who ends the season as the leading jockey for the 20th consecutive time, announced his retirement earlier this year.

Sandown clerk of the course Andrew Cooper has been in his role for almost 20 years and has only ever known one champion jockey.

"There's been a huge build up to this meeting," Cooper said.

"There was a bit of uncertainty whether or not Tony was going to make this his last day as he could have gone to Punchestown and then he said if he won the National that would be it.

"But to know this is where he'll bow out is great.

"It will be an emotional day."

It is not yet certain how many rides McCoy will have on Saturday with his only definite mount Mr Mole in the Celebration Chase for which Sprinter Sacre is also a confirmed runner.

Given Cooper's time at Sandown has run parallel with McCoy's career he has seen him ride countless big-race winners and his favourite came at the corresponding meeting in 2009.

"I suppose his win on Hennessy in the Gold Cup itself is the win that sticks out most in my mind and I think Tony selected it himself as one of his best 10 of all-time," Cooper said.

"There was also a race in 2001 that ranks high. There'd been no Cheltenham that year because of foot and mouth so we hastily put on something of a replacement meeting.

"He won the Champion Chase on Edredon Bleu by a short head from Fadalko.

"I don't think we'll appreciate what he's actually achieved until he's gone."