'VOTE MCCOY' FOR BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

 

During his 21 years as a jockey, Tony McCoy has ridden in more than 13,000 races, been the winner on more than 3,300 occasions and collected almost every major jump racing prize. 

 

In his quest for winners on the racecourses of Britain, he travels 75,000 miles a year by car - and during his career he has fallen almost 700 times, breaking his back, shoulder blades, collarbones, ribs, ankle, cheekbones, a wrist, and a leg in the process.

 

He spends 12 hours a week sweating to lose 42lbs. He eats only four nights a week, and then only steamed fish or chicken with steamed vegetables. His only luxury is mayonnaise, and he gets many of his calories from sugar in tea or eating jelly babies.

 

Amy Fair, General Manager of Redcar Racecourse, said: “Although A P - as he is known by his initials - doesn't ride at our racecourse because he is a jump jockey, his fantastic record impresses the whole of the racing industry.

 

“Tony McCoy has graced horse racing with unmatched distinction and, with everyone's help, the sport hopes that he can be recognised in the most public way of all, by him winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award on Sunday 19 December.

 

“At Redcar Racecourse, we are asking everyone to vote for A P that evening. Those who have won the most coveted of all sports awards include some of our greatest sporting 'legends' like Sir Steve Redgrave, Lord Sebastian Coe and the Princess Royal. It's time for Tony McCoy to join that ultimate roll of honour.”