AP McCoy

Northern Irish jump jockey who became the most successful National Hunt jockey in history with over 4,300 career winners and 20 consecutive championship titles.

Born in Moneyglass, County Antrim, Northern Ireland on 4 May 1974, Anthony Peter McCoy emerged from a farming family to become jump racing's most dominant figure. His father bred horses, providing early exposure to the sport that would define his life. McCoy began his professional career as a conditional jockey in Ireland before moving to England in 1994 to join trainer Toby Balding, marking the start of an unprecedented period of success. McCoy's breakthrough came in the 1995-96 season when he claimed his first Champion Jockey title, beginning a streak of 20 consecutive championships that would span his entire career. His partnership with trainer Martin Pipe proved particularly fruitful during his peak years, with the duo revolutionizing the approach to National Hunt racing through meticulous preparation and tactical innovation. McCoy's riding style, characterized by aggressive urgency and an ability to coax maximum effort from horses, became his trademark throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. The statistics that define McCoy's career remain unmatched in jump racing. His 4,358 professional winners represent over 1,000 more victories than any other jump jockey in history. The 2010 Grand National victory aboard Don't Push It, his only success in 15 attempts at Aintree's famous steeplechase, provided perhaps his most celebrated moment. He also secured victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and King George VI Chase, completing the sport's most prestigious treble. McCoy's legacy extends beyond raw statistics to encompass his extraordinary physical resilience and mental fortitude. His willingness to ride through serious injuries, including multiple fractures, became legendary within the sport. Recognition of his achievements came through the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, making him the first jump jockey to receive the honor, followed by a knighthood in 2016. His retirement in April 2015 ended an era of unparalleled dominance that redefined what constituted excellence in National Hunt racing.

Aggressive, fearless riding style with exceptional tactical awareness and ability to get the best from horses

Transformed jump racing with unprecedented dominance, winning Champion Jockey title 20 consecutive times

• Champion Jockey 20x (consecutive)
• Grand National 2010