With two flying Frankie Dettori-style dismounts in the winner's enclosure, Richard Dunwoody marked his achievement at becoming the National Hunt jockey with the most wins.
A double at Wincanton yesterday on odds-on favourites Knight Templar and Yorkshire Edition saw the Ulsterman better Peter Scudamore's record of 1,678 winners.
Of the throngs of well-wishers at the Somerset track, Scudamore was one of the first to congratulate Dunwoody after Yorkshire Edition clinched win number 1,679 in the finale, the Pay And Play National Hunt Novices' Hurdle.
Clutching a bottle of champagne, Dunwoody remarked: "I'm mighty glad I did not disappoint such an appreciative crowd. It's a great moment, especially with my mother, father and sister here."
Dunwoody, visibly moved by the occasion, added: "I would like to thank all the people who have supported me, owners and trainers. And also the people I did not manage to ride winners for."
With no thoughts of retirement just yet, Dunwoody shrugged his shoulders, adding: "I just want to ride many more winners and now we have the Grand National to look forward to."
Scudamore, the former record holder said: "Richard's performance is marvellous for himself and racing. He's a fantastic rider who has tremendous determination and courage."
John Francome, who bowed out with 1,138 winners in 1985, was delighted to hear the news and pay his respects to Dunwoody.
"What he's done is like winning four gold medals. I hope he gets the recognition he deserves.
"Three years ago, I thought he was ready to pack it in, but he got himself together.
"The thing about Richard, is that he gives 110 per cent and hates getting beaten. You never see him give one a bad ride."
Stan Mellor, the first jump jockey to ride over a thousand winners in 1971 with Ouzo, also paid tribute to Dunwoody.
"Richard's a classic, a master jockey and rides with tremendous authority.
"It's a terrible argument to say who is the best, but Richard will have to be one of the all time greats."
Not everything went Dunwoody's way during the carnival atmosphere at Wincanton where a jazz band played throughout the afternoon. Connaught Cracker gave the three-times champion a heavy fall in the Improve Your Handicap Chase and Buckskin Cameo finished last in the Cadbury Business Park Handicap Hurdle, won by the 16 to 1 chance Banjo Hill.
But his earlier success with Knight Templar in the Cadbury Business Park Novices' Chase enabled Dunwoody to take the record.
The milestone along with victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National (twice) make 35year-old Dunwoody one of the all time greats.
