Tony McCoy
Sir Anthony Peter McCoy, commonly known as AP McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a retired Northern Irish National Hunt jockey renowned for his record-breaking career, amassing 4,348 winners and securing the Champion Jockey title an unprecedented 20 consecutive times from the 1995/96 season to the 2014/15 season.[1][2][3] Born on 4 May 1974 in Moneyglass, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, McCoy began riding at a young age and secured his first professional victory at 17 years old on 26 March 1992, aboard Legal Steps at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland.[1][3] After moving to Britain in 1994, he quickly established himself, winning his first race there on Chickabiddy at Exeter in September of that year and claiming the Champion Conditional Jockey title in the 1994/95 season.[1] His relentless work ethic and exceptional skill led to dominance in jump racing, highlighted by major victories including the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1997 on Mr Mulligan and in 2012 on Synchronised, as well as the 2010 Grand National on Don't Push It—his only win in 15 attempts at the Aintree spectacle.[2][4] McCoy's achievements extended beyond the track, where he broke numerous records, such as surpassing Sir Gordon Richards' single-season mark with 289 winners in 2001–02 and becoming the first jockey to reach 4,000 National Hunt victories in 2013.[5][2] In recognition of his contributions to horse racing, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2003, elevated to Officer (OBE) in 2010, and knighted in the 2016 New Year Honours, becoming only the second jockey to receive the honor after Sir Gordon Richards in 1953; he formally received the knighthood at Buckingham Palace in June 2016.[6][2] Additionally, McCoy made history as the first jockey to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010 and received a lifetime achievement award upon his retirement.[5][6] McCoy announced his retirement on 25 April 2015, after his final victory on Capard King at Ayr on 17 April, ending a 23-year career that spanned 17,630 rides and transformed the sport with his unyielding pursuit of success.[2][3] Post-retirement, he has remained involved in racing through commentary, corporate speaking, and endorsements, while his legacy endures as one of the greatest figures in the history of National Hunt racing.[6][7]Early Life
Family Background
Anthony Peter McCoy was born on 4 May 1974 in Moneyglass, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, one of seven children to farmer parents Peadar and Claire McCoy.[8][9] The McCoy family led a rural farming lifestyle deeply intertwined with horses, reflecting the equestrian traditions of Northern Ireland. Peadar McCoy worked as a farmer and horse breeder, notably producing Thumbs Up, the winner of the 1993 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. This involvement in breeding and racing horses created an environment rich in equine activities, exposing the children to the world of point-to-point racing and horse care from a young age.[10][11] McCoy's siblings shared in the family's equestrian interests, with activities such as showjumping contributing to the household's engagement with horses. Early riding experiences came through family hunts and participation in local pony clubs, where McCoy first developed his skills on horseback around the age of seven, when he received his initial pony. These formative influences in Moneyglass cultivated his lifelong dedication to riding and laid the foundation for his professional aspirations in horse racing.[12]Introduction to Horse Racing
Tony McCoy began his formal training in horse racing at the age of 16 in 1990, when he was apprenticed to Irish flat racing trainer Jim Bolger at his Coolcullen stables in County Kilkenny. Coming from a family with strong equestrian ties—his father was involved in point-to-point racing and trained horses locally—McCoy initially focused on flat racing under Bolger's guidance, learning the fundamentals of riding and stable work while claiming a 5lb allowance as an apprentice. Bolger's progressive approach encouraged McCoy to ride out for other trainers, exposing him to diverse methods and fostering his development.[13] During his time with Bolger, McCoy developed an affinity for National Hunt racing despite his flat apprenticeship, often riding work for jumps trainers in the area, which highlighted the tactical demands of jumping compared to the speed of flat races. Standing at 1.78 meters tall, McCoy faced early weight management challenges typical for taller jockeys, needing to maintain a racing weight around 63.5 kg despite a natural build closer to 75 kg, requiring disciplined dieting and sauna sessions even in his amateur phase. In March 1992, at age 17, he secured his first professional victory aboard the Bolger-trained Legal Steps in a 12-furlong maiden at Thurles Racecourse, marking a pivotal moment in his nascent career. McCoy committed to transitioning fully to National Hunt racing, recognizing its suitability for his physical attributes and riding style.[14][13] In 1994, he relocated to Britain, joining trainer Toby Balding's yard in Lambourn as a conditional jockey, where he received a 3lb allowance and began preparing for licensed National Hunt competition. This move positioned him for professional opportunities, including his initial British success on the Gordon Edwards-trained Chickabiddy at Exeter later that year, though his formal debut rides awaited in the subsequent season.[3][15][16]Professional Career
Debut and Early Wins
McCoy's professional career in National Hunt racing began with his first winner in Ireland on 26 March 1992, riding the Jim Bolger-trained Legal Steps to victory at Thurles at the age of 17.[3] After an apprenticeship with Bolger, he moved to England in 1994 to pursue opportunities in the British racing scene, initially joining trainer Toby Balding as a conditional jockey.[13] His UK debut came shortly after arrival, with a fourth-place finish in a hurdle race at Stratford-upon-Avon. McCoy quickly made an impact in Britain, securing his first domestic winner on 7 September 1994 aboard Chickabiddy, trained by Gordon Edwards, in a handicap hurdle at Exeter.[13] These early successes demonstrated his determination and skill, setting the foundation for his establishment as a leading figure in National Hunt racing. In his inaugural full season as a conditional jockey during 1994/95, McCoy amassed 74 winners—a record for a conditional at the time—securing the Champion Conditional Jockey title and finishing seventh overall in the jockeys' standings.[13] This achievement came under the guidance of Toby Balding, with whom he formed a key early partnership that provided crucial rides and mentorship.[17] By the mid-1990s, McCoy had transitioned to a prominent role with trainer Martin Pipe, whose stable would become central to his burgeoning career and numerous victories.[18]Championship Seasons
McCoy secured his first Champion Jockey title in the 1995/96 National Hunt season with 175 winners, marking the beginning of an unparalleled era of dominance in British jumps racing.[13] This victory launched a streak of 19 consecutive titles through to the 2014/15 season, establishing a record 20 championships in total and solidifying his status as the most successful jump jockey in history.[19] Over his career, McCoy amassed 4,358 winners overall, including 4,348 in Great Britain and Ireland jumps racing, a figure that underscored his relentless pursuit of success across two decades.[3] His championship seasons showcased remarkable consistency and peak performances, with standout years highlighting his ability to shatter records. In the 2001/02 season, McCoy rode a then-record 289 winners, surpassing Sir Gordon Richards' long-standing mark of 269 victories in any single British racing season (flat or jumps) and achieving his 20th win earlier than any previous campaign.[7] Another strong year came in 2002/03, where he tallied 216 winners in Britain while contributing to his ongoing title defense.[20] Even in later years, such as 2013/14, McCoy clinched his 19th consecutive title with 193 winners despite a delayed start due to injuries, demonstrating his enduring resilience.[21] McCoy's strategies for sustaining these titles revolved around an exceptionally high volume of rides—often exceeding 1,000 per season—to maximize opportunities for victories, as evidenced by his 1,006 mounts in the record-breaking 2001/02 campaign.[22] He also exemplified rapid recovery from the physical toll of the sport, such as fracturing ribs in a 2011 fall at Taunton that sidelined him briefly but did not derail his championship pursuits.[23] These approaches, combined with his work ethic, enabled him to accumulate 144 winners in Ireland over his career alongside his British hauls.[7] To illustrate his seasonal performance in Britain, the following table summarizes select championship years:| Season | Winners in Britain |
|---|---|
| 1995/96 | 175 |
| 1997/98 | 253 |
| 2001/02 | 289 |
| 2002/03 | 216 |
| 2013/14 | 193 |