01/07/2014

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. Many young jockeys dream of crossing the winning post first and Anthony McCoy has accomplished this over 4,000 times. The list of his wins and achievements are lengthy, far too many for me to mention now, they include the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Grand National and of course BBC and RTÉ Sports Personality of the year.

"The young man who rode his first winner back when he was 17 in Thurles has gone on to become a sporting superstar, being named Champion Jockey every year since turning professional. I am sure the whole of Moneyglass is very proud and I am delighted to be able to recognise his achievements here at Parliament Buildings along with his family, friends and members of the racing fraternity. All of this success is a result of his hard work and dedication to the sport of racing and serves as an inspiration to young jockeys not just here but across the world."

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA also attended the reception.

The First Minister said: "I congratulate Tony McCoy on his phenomenal achievement of becoming champion jump jockey for the 19th successive year. Tony McCoy is a great ambassador for Northern Ireland and this is just the latest triumph in his illustrious career. His sheer belief, determination and pure love for the sport have elevated him to the well-deserved position as champion jump jockey for the 19th time."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: "I congratulate Tony McCoy on his spectacular sporting success. In November of 2013 Tony achieved the 4,000 victory of his career and being champion jockey for a record 19th time is another remarkable milestone. It is all the more special when you consider he missed the start of the season through injury. Winning the 19th title is another triumph for Tony, his family, the people of Moneyglass and Irish racing."

(IT/MH)

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