20/12/2010

National Jockey Wins Sports Personality Race

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.

The 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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