08/11/2013

4,000 Career Wins For AP McCoy

Northern Ireland jockey Tony 'AP' McCoy has recorded his 4,000th career win.

The victory puts him almost 1,500 ahead of the next most successful jockey, Richard Johnson, who has ridden 2,567 winners.

McCoy, who turns 40 next year, won the 3.10 at Towcester on Mountain Tunes to reach the landmark on Thursday.

He was congratulated on the feat by Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.

The Minister said: "On the 26 March, 1992, a 17-year-old Tony McCoy rode Legal Steps to victory in Thurles. It was the first win of a career that would grow into one of the most successful in sport. With today's milestone, Tony's achievements stand as legendary in the history of horse-racing – both in Ireland and internationally.

"Tony has been champion jockey in each of the last 18 years. To reach the pinnacle of any sport is commendable, but to stay there for almost two decades is quite remarkable.

"Tony's career includes wins in the biggest races in the national hunt calendar, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Grand National. In a sport where falls are inevitable and injuries common, Tony has also endured broken bones, dislocations and hospital stays.

"What has endeared him to fans both here and across the world is that he has accepted triumph and disappointment with modesty, humility and good grace.

"Now, Tony is judged by the standards he sets himself. His place in Irish and international sporting history was assured long ago and his achievements continue to be an inspiration for us all."

(JP/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 July 2014
Stormont Reception For NI Jockey
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín hosted a reception at Stormont yesterday in honour of Northern Ireland jump jockey Anthony 'AP' McCoy. Mr McCoy has won nearly every big race and sealed his 4,000th career win in the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle at Towcester in November. Minister Ní Chuilín said: "AP McCoy is one of the finest jockeys of our time.
20 December 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.
23 May 2019
George Best Statue Unveiled In Belfast
Yesterday a life size bronze statue of football legend George Best was unveiled in Belfast on what would have been his 73rd birthday, 22 May. Created by Belfast sculptor Tony Currie and funded by fans through public donations, it captures the iconic player's famed movement and balance as he dribbles with the ball.
17 October 2022
Police Name Poleglass Murder Victim As 54-Year-Old Tony Browne
A man murdered in Poleglass, west Belfast on Friday 14 October has been named by police as 54-year-old Tony Browne. Renewing an appeal for information, Major Investigation Team Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: "Police received a report shortly before 10.
15 July 2016
Call For Republican Tony Taylor To Be Released From Prison
The new NI Secretary of State James Brokenshire is being urged to release republican Tony Taylor from prison. Mr Taylor was released from Maghaberry Prison in 2014 after serving a three year sentence for possessing a rifle. In 1994, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was seriously injured in a premature explosion in Derry.