20/12/2010

McCoy Is 2010 Sports Personality

The Co Antrim Grand National winning jockey, Tony McCoy has been voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The 36-year-old has been the champion jump jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award after claiming 41.98% of the vote.

"To win this award is surreal," said McCoy, who won the Grand National in April at the 15th attempt.

He won the prestigious BBC sports personality of the year award at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham last night.

The 36-year-old from Moneyglass has ridden more than 3,000 winners and is the first ever jockey to be recognised in this way.

The award, which is voted for by the public, sets out to recognise the sportsperson "whose actions have most captured the public's imagination".

McCoy won the Grand National earlier this year at his 15th attempt on Don't Push It.

NI Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland has congratulated AP McCoy on winning the Sports Personality of the Year 2010.

Speaking today, the Minister said: "Tony McCoy is a deserved winner with his execeptional achievements which include winning over 3,000 national hunt races. Northern Ireland has produced world class sportsmen and women throughout the years and it is clear that we will continue to do so in the future.

"I send my congratulations to Tony on winning the prestigious title of Sports Personality of the Year and I wish him well with all his future endeavours."

The Minister also sends his congratulations to Graeme McDowell on being shortlisted for last night's award.

Also present at the ceremony were Carmel Gorman and Seamus McAnee of City of Derry Swimming Club. They were the Northern Ireland winners of the Unsung Hero Award.

The Minister, who co-presented the award earlier this month, said: "As well as recognising sports stars on the world stage, the Sports Personality of the Year event highlights those who make a hugely important contribution at a grassroots level. It was an honour to meet Carmel and Seamus and pay tribute to the decades of service they have given to their sport," he said.

The top jockey beat off competition from nine other top performers, including Portrush golf hero Graeme McDowell.

Mr McDowell won the US Open as well as holding his nerve to hole the winning putt for Europe at this year's Ryder Cup.

Additionally team captain Colin Montgomerie was named Coach of the Year.

Darts player Phil Taylor took the runner-up spot while heptathlete Jessica Ennis finished in third place.

(BMcC/GK)

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