 |
Tony McCoyEnglish jockey of Irish descent.
Date of Birth: 04.05.1974
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Rise to Prominence
- Record-Breaking Achievements
- Grand National Triumph
- Personal and Professional Life
Early Life and Career
Anthony McCoy, an Irish-born English jockey, began his riding career at age 17 in 1992 as an apprentice to trainer Jim Bolger. After a leg injury hindered his progress as a flat jockey, McCoy transitioned to steeplechase racing due to his increased height. His skills quickly gained recognition throughout Ireland.
Rise to Prominence
McCoy's exceptional talent earned him a contract with trainer Toby Balding in England in 1994. He made an immediate impact, winning the Champion Apprentice Jockeys title in 1995 and becoming Champion Jockey in 1996. This success attracted the attention of top trainers, including Martin Pipe and Paul Nicholls.
Record-Breaking Achievements
In 1997, McCoy joined forces with Pipe, a partnership that yielded extraordinary results. By the end of the decade, McCoy had set the National Hunt record for most wins in a season and became the first jockey to record 100 victories in 2001.
McCoy surpassed Gordon Richards' long-standing record for most wins in a season on April 2, 2002. By August's end, he had extended his own record to 289 wins. He became the first steeplechase jockey to reach 2,500 wins on October 3, 2006, and reached the 3,000-win milestone on February 9, 2009.
Grand National Triumph
Despite his numerous successes, McCoy had yet to win the prestigious Grand National race. After 15 attempts, he finally achieved victory on April 10, 2010.
Personal and Professional Life
McCoy's height of 1.78 meters (5'10") is unusual for jockeys, and he maintains a weight of 63.5 kilograms (140 pounds). His strict diet includes black coffee and toast for breakfast followed by frequent sauna sessions.
Outside of racing, McCoy is an avid Arsenal football fan and is close friends with former player Ray Parlour. He has named one of his horses "The Romford Pele" after Parlour's former nickname.
McCoy retired from racing in 2015 after an illustrious career spanning 20 seasons. He remains the British jump racing Champion Jockey from 1995/96 to 2013/14.
