McCoy stuns racing world with retirement plans
Anthony McCoy during a past race. The Northern Irish horse racing jockey has sensationally announced plans to retire from riding at the end of this jump season. PHOTO | FILE |
What you need to know:
- McCoy is the only jump jockey to have won more than 4,300 races.
Anthony McCoy has sensationally announced plans to retire from riding at the end of this jump season.
The Northern Irish horse racing jockey, currently based in England, was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010, becoming the first jockey to win the award. The 19-time champion jockey revealed his intention to quit in Newbury, England, after Mr Mole brought up his 200th winner.
Renowned for a never-say-die attitude, and sky-high pain threshold, McCoy has achieved a level of professional achievement previously unknown:”I want to go while still enjoying the game at number one.”
McCoy is the only jump jockey to have won more than 4,300 races. Over a stunning career he has been showered with accolades, including an OBE, and has lifted virtually every major prize.
Highlights have included winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and Grand National on Don’t Push It.
Explaining his decision to retire, McCoy said: “I’m very lucky to have had a life with horses spanning 25 years. Best to retire as champion, and 20 would be a nice number to finish at. Any decision I ever made was my own.”
