Latest from Horse & Hound in Ap-mccoy

‘I had no desire to do a marathon’: charity’s incredible work prompts AP McCoy to run London Marathon

Lucy Elder — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:56:38 +0000

The 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy is taking on another sporting challenge in his retirement as he runs the TCS London Marathon this month (26 April).

AP will take on the 26.2 miles for the Matt Hampson Foundation, which provides advice, support, relief and treatment for people who have sustained (primarily sporting-related) serious injury or disability.

Matt launched the charity following his own life-changing spinal injury during an under-21 England rugby training session in 2005 and will also be taking part in the marathon. Matt was paralysed from the neck down in the accident and breathes using a ventilator, which his racing wheelchair has been adapted to carry.

AP said he had “no desire to do a marathon” before he understood the work of the Matt Hampson Foundation.

“My good friend Graham Lee had a very successful horseracing career before a spinal injury in 2023,” said AP.

“Alongside his wife Becky and their family, Graham had a lot to deal with after his accident but, as soon as he left hospital, he visited the Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre in Leicestershire. Matt was there to meet him, ready to talk, ready to listen and ready to offer support.”

He added: “Matt and the team have been at Graham and Becky’s side ever since, offering physical and emotional support, showing how to ‘get busy living’ after serious injury.

“I have seen how Matt and the team help the charity’s beneficiaries and, when he announced that he was entering the 2026 London Marathon, I wanted to show my own appreciation and decided to participate too.

“Together, we are trying to raise awareness of the foundation and raise the funds required to help their work in changing lives.”

To support AP, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/apmccoylondonmarathon

Are you a rider and running the London Marathon this year? Or someone running for an equestrian charity? Email lucy.elder@futurenet.com if you would like to be featured in an up-coming article

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‘He’s a legend’: 21-year-old grand prix horse makes winning return to London Horse Show (and AP McCoy manages not to fall off)

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:20:52 +0000

Some of the country’s leading Flat and jumps jockeys took a well-earned break from their day job to entertain the crowd in the Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at the London International Horse Show on Friday evening (20 December).

Two teams of intrepid competitors – with varying levels of showjumping ability, it has to be said – were led into battle by champion jockey Harry “The Airplane” Skelton and his counterpart 20-time champion Sir Anthony “AP” McCoy, AKA the Champ.

There were a few anxious faces as the 10 jockeys set off over the course of showjumps set for them – including a lofty joker fence which could wipe four seconds off their time – but all made a gallant attempt and even AP McCoy managed not to fall off this year.

Victory went to Harry Skelton’s high-octane squad of Brian Hughes, Lilly Pinchin, James Bowen and Sam Twiston-Davies, although there were calls for a stewards’ enquiry when it turned out Harry was mounted on William Funnell’s former grand prix horse Billy Angelo. The now 21-year-old gelding has enjoyed his retirement with Harry and his wife Bridget and was without doubt the star of the show.

“I’m very well mounted,” admitted Harry as Pippa Funnell gave the super chestnut gelding a huge hug. “This horse has been a legend to Pippa and Willy Funnell throughout the years. We’re very privileged to have him – I’d be doing him a bad turn if I let him down.”

The winning team of L-R: Brian Hughes, Harry Skelton on Billy Angelo, Sam Twiston-Davies, Lilly Pinchen and James Bowen in the Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at the London International Horse Show. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jockeys jump on the train from Ascot to the London ExCeL in their riding kit

Many of the jockeys had been riding at Ascot’s Howden Christmas Racing Weekend and had jumped on a train into London to reach the London ExCeL in time for the class, before returning to the track to race again on Saturday.

“We really enjoy it – we’ve been at Ascot today and all we’ve talked about is tonight,” said Harry. “So thank you to Markel and to the London International Horse Show for having us back again.

“The only thing I’m surprised about is Nico de Boinville completing the course because if that was a race, he definitely would have pulled it up.”

Top jumps jockey Nico, part of AP McCoy’s losing green side along with Gina Andrews, Harry Cobden and Joanna Mason, is an absolutely superb horseman but he left the ring with more poles on the floor than remaining in their cups.

“It’s a tough old game but I’m going to blame the coaches today – it was definitely bad management,” he said tongue in cheek in the direction of team trainers Pippa Funnell and Laura Collett. “You are what you’re riding and Harry Skelton was on a grand prix horse – it’s a bit like me riding Sprinter Sacre in a 0-100 handicap race [for low level horses].

“But we’ll give him that one, it was all good fun. A fantastic evening.”

AP McCoy manages to stay in the saddle this year as he jumps at the London International. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

AP McCoy on jumping at the London International: “I have fallen off more than anyone on the planet”

Gina Andrews, who finished 12th in this year’s Grand National, summed up: “These are obviously totally different fences to the National, but it’s a totally different kind of buzz, I loved it.”

Meanwhile Sam Twiston-Davies quipped, “The money was on James Bowen taking the wrong course, but he actually managed to make it round!”

AP McCoy has experienced more than his fair share of unscheduled dismounts in this class over the years and he looked relieved just to cross the finish line while still in the saddle.

“It’s much more fun when I fall off isn’t it? I have fallen off more than anyone on the planet,” he said, going on to pay tribute to his injured weighing room colleagues Alice Procter and Graham Lee, just two of the beneficiaries of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supports this evening. The Injured Jockeys Fund is 60 years old this year. The care it gives and everything it does is unbelievable. It costs £5m a year to run and it’s run purely through donations from evenings like this. So thank you to you all.”

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‘The best ride I’ve ever given a horse’: AP McCoy on his most unforgettable moment in the saddle

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 08:30:31 +0000

When everything goes right, when there is total harmony and a horse gives his all – those precious moments are what a partnership is all about. Eleanor Jones finds out about one unforgettable ride...

It might have been hard for AP McCoy to pick one race out of the 4,358 winners that secured him 20 consecutive champion jockey titles. However, it was the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup win on Synchronised that stands out from the rest.

“The Grand National is the more famous race for people who aren’t that into racing, but the Gold Cup is most definitely the most fulfilling ride,” he says. “I rode in a lot of Cheltenham Gold Cups, but was only lucky enough to win it twice. And there was a lot of history with Synchronised; his dam Mayasta was my first ride and winner for JP McManus in 1996 at Punchestown, then 16 years later, I won the Gold Cup on her son, who was bred by JP and his wife. He’s owned a lot of racehorses and when you buy one, you buy it to win the Gold Cup. He has never yet been able to buy one to win it, but his wife bred this one.”

Following the race, AP said of Synchronised that he was “all heart and will to win”.

“I’d describe him as being like me,” he says. “I don’t know if he was the most talented horse who won the Gold Cup, and he probably wasn’t the best looking, but in terms of his unbelievable mental strength and will to win, the mental and physical toughness – he had that in abundance, more than any horse.”

Synchronised ridden by AP (left) on his way to winning the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup ahead of Long Run ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen (right) during the Cheltenham Festival. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

AP was at the time a retained rider for JP McManus.

“It was the first time in my career I felt I’d done what I was employed to do,” he says. “I’d been an employed jockey for a few trainers but an owner had retained me to ride his horses and that was the time I felt I’d done what he’d employed me for.”

AP, Synchronised and Jonjo O’Neill with the Cheltenham Gold Cup. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

“I think that day was the best feeling I had in horseracing. Maybe because I’d won the Grand National a couple of years before, and it was 15 years since I’d last won the Gold Cup, but it was the one time I thought, ‘Yes’.

“He was the sort who never looked like he was going to win, unless you knew him, and to this day, it was probably the best ride I’ve ever given a horse. That was definitely the one – the ride of my life.”

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#Throwback to when… AP McCoy jumped Olympic gold-medallist Big Star

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:20:59 +0000

Take a look back in the H&H archives to see how the legendary jockey got on when taking to the saddle on Nick Skelton’s Olympic showjumping champion

Towards the end of 2016 Horse & Hound asked the 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy if he might come out of retirement to try his hand at showjumping. And to tempt him, we lined up a very special horse for him to ride — Nick Skelton’s Olympic gold medal-winning partner, Big Star.

Sir AP Anthony Peter McCoy OBE (A. P. McCoy) riding Big Star during a Showjumping training session at Nick Skelton's stables at Arden Cote Farm in the village of Shelfield near Ancestor in Warwickshire in UK on 28th November 2016 nick skelton (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“He’s a very cool beast. I’m buzzing!” said AP afterwards.

“Get yourself a jacket and a pair of boots, there’s a new job for you in showjumping,” said Nick Skelton, who was on-hand to put this new partnership through their paces.

The idea for the feature came from an Injured Jockeys Fund charity evening where host Clare Balding suggested, slightly tongue in cheek, that AP McCoy would enjoy the sport of showjumping as a new venture, now that he’s hung up his racing boots. Horse & Hound’s Showjumping Editor Jennifer Donald decided to put the wheels in motion.

“I thought it was a brilliant suggestion from Clare and, although AP didn’t seem too keen on the idea on the night, I suspected he wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity to do it on a really top class horse — which is why Big Star immediately sprung to mind,” said Jennifer.

Nick needed very little persuading to let AP ‘have a go’ on his multi-million pound horse — Nick has a huge amount of respect for AP as a horseman and Big Star’s owners were happy to go along with it, too, and for that we are very grateful.

‘I’ve seen what Dad’s been through’: why Eve McCoy is aiming for success in a different sport to her famous father

Luz Wollocombe — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:32:14 +0000

Eve McCoy on advice from dad champion jockey AP, why she chose showjumping over racing, and maintaining a social life while following her dreams and home-schooling

Eve McCoy, the 14-year-old daughter of 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy and Dragon’s Den judge Chanelle, is fast making a name for herself on the showjumping circuit. Eve has both winning genes and ambition – and catching up with her in the midst of a successful season it’s clear she’s also well used to the hard work and dedication it takes to get to the top.

“Obviously the help I’ve had from my Mum and Dad, with the amazing horses I have been given, explains some of my success,” she says, with previous top rides including the pony Moores Pride and horse Elia and current speed horse Cocktail D’Azur. But there has definitely been a lot of training and hard work paying off in recent years, too, and fantastic coaching from the likes of Shane Breen. Eve is currently trying to find the right balance between her sport and schooling.

“I am in my GCSE year and am home-schooled at the minute. I was at Cheltenham College, but I found it quite difficult juggling school and riding. Now we have a tutoring company who tutor me from home and it’s worked out a lot better. I do four hours a day.”

Eve’s timetable is pretty full on – she is based in Lambourn with her family, but all her horses are stabled with Lea Popely in West Sussex and then she trains with Shane Breen, who is based at Hickstead.

“I go down there three or four times a week. It’s quite far from my house – 2 hours and 20 minutes. Either my mum or dad will take me – basically anyone I can find to take me down,” explains Eve.

On the days she doesn’t go to train, Eve has an extra-long day at school to make up for the time she’s missed.

“Or I’ll go and see my friends,” she says. “It’s nice going to see them – they are not doing quite the same thing as me, they are all in school, so it’s really nice catching up with them.”

When Eve was boarding at Cheltenham College she was training with Eleni Murphy, who was based in Preston, “very far away”. “I was leaving on a Friday night and arriving back to school on a Monday,” she explains.

The risks of home-schooling

Eva, who has a friendly and modest demeanour, admits the change to home-schooling came with risks. “It’s quite a big social change, and a bit depriving of your social life – but thankfully I’ve been able to keep my friends,” she says. “I am definitely enjoying living at home again, but sometimes because me and my mum are so similar, and even my dad, too, we can get on top of each other a bit. My mum works from home and my dad is retired.”

Coach Shane Breen has long been a regular on Ireland’s Nations Cup teams, and Eve raves about him as a trainer.

“He is such a top-class rider and his work ethic is amazing,” she says. “I’ve learnt so much from him, especially how important the groundwork is – the flatwork and nailing the basics before you move on to jump bigger. When I first began training with him it was such a completely different atmosphere and suddenly I was in such a professional environment and I was really impressed how hard he worked – how hard you have to work in showjumping.”

Unsurprisingly, given her father was one of the most driven jump jockeys in history, AP has passed on similar advice to Eve.

“My dad has taught me how important it is to work really hard. To make sure you are not making the same mistakes and that you are learning every time you do. It’s motivating having such a successful father, because hopefully one day I’ll be just as good as him but doing something a bit different.”

Eve McCoy: “no pressure” from parents

Eve is keen to emphasise that her parents put no pressure on her to choose riding as a sport or career.

“I always knew I wanted to do something with horses. I was always a bit more interested in showjumping [than racing] because maybe I thought it was a little bit more glamorous,” she laughs. “And much safer. My parents weren’t very keen on me racing and obviously I’ve seen what my dad’s been through with all his breaks and bruises – I wasn’t really that interested in ending up in the way his body’s all messed up now.”

Eve McCoy has already achieved a lot in her showjumping career, including riding on children on horses teams internationally and qualifying for and riding at Horse of the Year Show.

“That was one of the wow moments for me, because I had never been in an atmosphere like that,” she says of her NEC experience. “At HOYS there were so many people and so many amazing top riders competing at the same show as me.

“A few years ago, I jumped on the children on horses team at Vilamoura, and I did all the Nations Cups; it was such a surreal experience because it was the first time I had jumped out of the country and I was surrounded by lots of different people my own age but from different countries.”

The search for Eve McCoy’s next partner

Currently Eve has only got one horse to compete, Cocktail D’Azur, but she is on the hunt for another.

“My pony Moores Pride was sold and my horse Elia has just gone too. At the minute I just have Cocktail D’Azur, who’s my speed class horse. I’m looking for another horse to hopefully do the juniors on at the minute. We are looking to get one in the next month or two – it just depends if we find the right one. We want something I can jump the juniors on and we want it soon enough so that I can build up a good record and be ready for the trials.”

Cocktail D’Azur has been in brilliant form this summer.

“He did really well at Hickstead and so we want to carry on that track. He’s so nice to ride and you can tell he really enjoys it – he loves to go quick. I think he knows when he is going into the jump-off. You have to get off and get back on again and he knows that when you’re back on its time.”

We end our catch-up with some kit advice – Eve being equally fashion and safety conscious. She is currently wearing Animo and says: “I love it, it’s so amazing for all seasons and they have such a wide range of choices. That’s my jacket, shirt, socks, jodhpurs. I have a Sellaria Equipe saddle, which is through Zebra products. It is amazing. And I wear Samshield hats – they are so safe and pretty. My Dad is quite strict on helmets because he’s had so many injuries and he loves these hats.”

With such dedication and the right training, horses and support, we look forward to seeing what Eve can achieve in the future – starting with junior trials if that right horse can be found.

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‘Dad wants to keep me away from racing!’ AP McCoy’s daughter scores first Hickstead win

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:38:10 +0000

Eve McCoy joked that her father AP “wants to keep me as far away from racehorses as possible”, after she won her first Hickstead championship.

The 15-year-old rider took the Stoner Jewellers 1.20m open championship, riding her father’s 11-year-old gelding Cocktail D’Azur, yesterday (3 September) the last day of the first week of the All England September Tour.

The daughter of the legendary National Hunt jockey was one of nine to jump clear in the first round, and four who repeated the feat in the jump-off. She and Cocktail D’Azur finished in 39.95seconds, just over a second ahead of Christopher O’Bryan and Cirrus.

“The first round he was really good – a little bit strong – I don’t think he’s ever jumped in that ring before, but he wasn’t spooky at all,” said Eve. “In the jump-off as we came round to the double I was a little bit deep, but he got me out of trouble.”

Eve McCoy, who trains with Hickstead-based Shane Breen, has had international wins this season with Cocktail D’Azur, and was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the children-on-horses European Championships at Vilamoura in 2021.

And she said she is sticking to showjumping rather than racing, much to the relief of her father.

“He prefers me to go into showjumping – he wants to keep me as far away from the racehorses as possible!” she said.

Boys v girls, ‘a little dinger of a pony’ and a great cause – jockeys showjump in London

Pippa Roome — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:31:59 +0000

Twenty-time champion jockey AP McCoy was among the male jockeys who beat the girls team – headed by Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore – today in the light-hearted Markel London Horse Show jockeys jumping, run in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

AP rode a chestnut who showjumps with his daughter Eve.

“All I got when I came out was ‘That’s cheating, you’re riding your daughter’s horse that wins everything’ – coming from Rachael Blackmore who Henry de Bromhead has put on Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, champion after champion for the last five years. She’s got some cheek giving out to me for being on the best horse,” he joked.

“You didn’t get put on many of them in your career, did you?” retorted Rachael, who reckoned the girls’ lack of success was down to their horses being “too big and too slow”.

AP came back: “That’s what happens when these people get spoiled, riding the best horse all the time, a prime example…”

Rachael suggested a rematch in an hour’s time: “I’m going to ride his, he’s going to ride mine and we’ll see how we get on.”

The London Horse Show jockeys jumping was conducted in an atmosphere of great hilarity, with five top male jockeys from both flat and jumps racing, taking on five leading female jockeys.

Each jumped a course against the clock, with three seconds added for a fence down, and then took on a joker fence, the Markel planks, with the opportunity to remove four seconds from their time if they cleared it, but four seconds added if they knocked it. The four best scores in each team were added up to give the final result.

The boys team, trained by 2016 Olympic showjumping champion Nick Skelton, and consisting of AP, Nick’s son Harry Skelton, former champion flat jockey Jim Crowley, James Doyle and reigning champion jumps jockey Brian Hughes took the spoils despite the fact girls team trainer Pippa Funnell and her husband William ran forward and raised the height of the joker significantly before Harry approached it. But the other four all cleared it so the boys ran out the winners by more than 35 seconds.

Jim Crowley, most noted for his recent partnership with Baaeed, put in the fastest time of the night, saying: “What a little dinger of a pony – I wouldn’t top him tonight.”

AP McCoy, Brian Hughes, Jim Crowley, James Doyle and Harry Skelton in the Markel Jockeys Jumping, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund during the London International Horse Show. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

In the girls team, Rachael rode alongside Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Bridget Andrews, Hayley Turner, Saffie Osborne and Joanna Mason.

Bridget was the only one who cleared the joker – no doubt helped by the fact her mount was the Funnells’ 19-year-old former five-star horse Billy Angelo. She said: “I was pretty spoilt riding him and I was rusty, but he carried me round. I love doing it and it’s for a great charity. I’m just back from injury so it couldn’t be more apt right now.”

The audience were urged to donate to the Injured Jockeys Fund during the class, by texting IJF to 70800 to give £5.

“I’ve been president of the Injured Jockeys Fund since John Francome passed it over to me and it’s a great charity,” said AP.

“Lord Oaksey founded it 50 odd years ago and it costs three and a half million pounds a year to run, which is purely on donations. It looks after everyone from people who’ve been elite jockeys to people who may have had one ride and have got injured doing something else, whether it be in a building site or something. We look after them and care for them, whatever care they need, so it’s a great charity.

“Rachael has the same Injured Jockeys Fund in Ireland and we’re very grateful that she’s come over because she’s more of a star than any of the rest of us ever have been. So we’re very lucky that she’s come along.”

Rachael described the Injured Jockeys Fund as a “fantastic safety blanket”.

“Our sport is a very dangerous sport, so we’re very lucky the Injured Jockeys Fund is there,” she said.

Pippa Funnell said it had been a privilege to meet Rachael for the first time.

“She’s done so much for women jockeys and females in sport, it just shows all the little girls here what can be done – if you dream big, you can get there,” she said.

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Grand National-winning jockeys to do showjumping battle – alongside camel racing

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:40:54 +0000

Current and past Grand National-winning jockeys Sam Waley-Cohen and AP McCoy are among those set to do battle in a showjumping competition this Friday (15 April).

Almost a week after his fairytale victory on Noble Yeats, and on his 40th birthday, Sam will be one of the stars at the Lambourn Open Day, which returns after a two-year Covid-related absence.

One of the highlights of the day, which raises money for charity as well as allowing people to go behind the scenes at racing yards, is the showjumping, which will also feature Nico de Boinville, Jamie Osborne and Marcus Armytage.

Sam said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Lambourn Open Day on Friday to take part in the showjumping competition. It’s always a great day out, which raises a huge amount for local charities.”

Visitors will be able to tour some of Britain’s top training yards, including those of Nicky Henderson, Clive Cox and Oliver Sherwood, between 8.30am and 1pm. The afternoon programme of events also includes a schooling demonstration and camel racing, and a parade of equine heroes such as Battaash, Altior, Coneygree and Sprinter Sacre.

Lambourn Open Day chairman Mark Smyly said excitement around Lambourn is high, adding: “The last two Good Fridays in Lambourn have been very quiet. It’s fantastic that we can welcome everyone back for what should be a brilliant day.

“We are thrilled to have Grand National hero Sam Waley-Cohen competing against some of the best past and present National Hunt jockeys in the showjumping, the parade of equine heroes will be very special, and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top in the camel racing.”

Tickets are £15 for the day, £10 for the afternoon and free for under-12s. All money raised goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works for the welfare of stable staff, the air ambulance and local organisations.

Stars and unsung heroes honoured at Jockey Club awards

Becky Murray — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:03:13 +0000

The stars and unsung heroes of jump racing have been celebrated at the McCoy Awards.

More than 350 guests attended the Jockey Club’s annual ceremony, at Cheltenham racecourse on 7 October, to recognise achievements on and off the track. The awards take into account performances from the 2020–21 National Hunt season across all Jockey Club racecourses that host jump racing.

Harry Skelton was named leading professional jockey with 152 winners. Jack Tudor was crowned leading conditional jockey and Harriet Tucker leading amateur.

Harry said it was “very special” to have his name on the trophy.

“I feel very lucky to win such a lovely award,” he said. “I’m really excited for the new campaign, especially as we’ve been quieter than usual over the summer. I’m ready to go now and we’ve got a lot of horses, and the quality is rising all the time, so I’m in a very lucky position.”

The leading trainer award for those with 40 horses or more went to 11-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, while his Ladbrokes King George VI Chase winner Frodon was named leading chaser. The leading hurdler was Bannixtown Glory, trained by Donald McCain, and the Nicky Henderson-trained Shiskin was named leading novice chaser.

Stuart Edmunds took the leading trainer title for 39 horses or fewer. JP McManus took the leading owner title for four horses or more, while the ownership group of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales took the honours for three horses or fewer. Jaimie Duff, who works for trainer Lucinda Russell, won the stable person of the year award.

The remaining awards were decided by a panel of judges comprising ITV Racing lead presenter Ed Chamberlin, Grade One-winning jockey Katie Walsh, the Racing Post’s Chris Cook, Cheltenham racecourse director Zara Tindall, The Jockey Club’s southwest head of racing and Cheltenham clerk of course Simon Claisse, and Sir AP McCoy, who the awards are named after.

Rachael Blackmore took the “ride of the season” award for her historic win on Minella Times in the Grand National. One of Rachael’s Cheltenham Festival-winning rides, the Willie Mullins-trained Allaho, was awarded horse performance of the season, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle won horse of the season, having won all 12 of her season starts with Rachael.

The outstanding contribution award went to four-time champion jockey Richard Johnson, who announced his retirement in April after 3,800 wins. Mr Claisse, who is stepping down after more than 20 years, received the judges’ choice award.

14 things you might not know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls

Gemma Redrup — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:24:23 +0000

Find out everything you need to know about National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls.

1. Paul Nicholls, born on 17 April 1972, is a British National Hunt trainer based at Manor Farm, Ditcheat in Somerset.

2. Nicholls left school at the age of 16 to work at a local point-to-point yard and in 1982 he became a conditional jockey under trainer Josh Gifford.

3. In 1984 he joined David Barons as stable jockey and enjoyed some notable successes, including back-to-back wins in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury with Broadheath in 1986 and Playschool the following year.

4. However, due to injury, he retired as a jockey in 1989 having ridden 133 winners over a seven-year career.

5. He then served a two-year apprenticeship as assistant trainer to Barons before taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1991.

6. Paul Nicholls began renting Manor Farm, Ditcheat from a local dairy farmer, Paul Barber, and had just eight horses in training to begin with.

7. His first winner, Olveston, was owned by Nicholls’ father and named after the South Gloucestershire village where he grew up.

8. His career developed steadily but the 1999 Cheltenham Festival, however, was to mark the start of Nicholls’ real success when he won the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Call Equiname, the Arkle Chase with Flagship Uberalles and the Cheltenham Gold Cup with See More Business.

9. At the end of the 2005-2006 season Nicholls was crowned champion National Hunt trainer for the first time. He has now been crowned champion National Hunt trainer 11 times.

10. Paul Nicholls trained his 50th Grade One winner in December 2008 when Master Minded — ridden by AP McCoy — won the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

11. Irish jockey Ruby Walsh played a central role in Nicholls’ success, including winning the 2007 and 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cups for him aboard Kauto Star. Sam Thomas won the same race aboard Denman in 2008. After the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, he had racked up 45 Festival winners.

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12. Kauto Star and Walsh won the King George VI Chase at Kempton a record five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011). Nicholls has more recently won this race with Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014), Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019) and Frodon (2020).

13. Nicholls won the Grand National in 2012 with veteran chaser Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob.

14. Paul is married to Georgie Brown and he has three daughters. His eldest daughter, Megan, from his second marriage is a professional Flat jockey.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Legends of the sport: 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy H&H Plus

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 09 May 2020 14:00:15 +0000

As record-breaking careers go, few compare to that of 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy. From Grand National glory to knighthood, Hannah Lemieux charts his astonishing career

“Even in retirement, I still think about my failures and the races I didn’t win, more than I think about my achievements,” muses the 20-time consecutive champion jockey and all-time great Sir AP McCoy.

Many of us would find it unbelievable that the Northern Irishman cannot now sit back on his laurels and enjoy his accomplishments in the saddle, five years after retiring. Becoming the first jump jockey to ride to 4,000 victories, breaking Sir Gordon Richards’ record for most wins ridden in a season, two Gold Cups, a Grand National, a BBC Sports Personality of the Year crown, an OBE and a knighthood to top off a career that was successful at a meteoric level.

It is unlikely we’ll witness another AP McCoy during our lifetimes. However, it is his astonishing mindset that no doubt made him the untouchable champion he was for two decades.

“I went through a stint of seeing a sport psychologist, but it didn’t work out for me – I just ended up thinking my therapist needed help,” quips AP.

“I thought I needed a way to feel better after a bad day’s racing, but then I realised I didn’t want to feel OK about a bad ride – I wanted to feel crap so it would drive me to push myself further and further.

“I was never satisfied with what I was achieving, I always wanted more. But ultimately, I enjoyed the torture and pressure I put myself under. I had to have goals to drive towards and push myself out of my comfort zone.”

He adds: “As a young jockey, you have to watch and learn from whomever is the best and most successful – analyse what makes them better and find a way of beating them. They are at the top for a reason.

“When I started out, Richard Dunwoody was champion and I wanted to be good enough to compete with him and then find that extra edge to beat him. If you don’t want to be champion in your respective sport, you shouldn’t be doing it.”

His first win

Rewind back to March 1992 and a fresh-faced, 17-year-old Anthony Peter McCoy claimed the first win of his career on the Jim Bolger-trained Legal Steps in a Flat race at Thurles in Ireland.

AP credits the Irish trainer for kick-starting his career, albeit as a Flat jockey.

“I started out as an apprentice for Jim and I stayed there for four and a half years. I wasn’t very successful, but he taught me a lot – he was a perfectionist and always expected the best,” he reflects.

When weight went against AP, who is 5ft 10in, he switched codes to the National Hunt game and moved across the Irish Sea, basing himself with racing royalty in the form of late trainer Toby Balding.

In his first season riding in this country, AP topped the champion conditional jockey leaderboard. The following season, having ridden out his claim, he bagged his first champion jockey title at the end of the 1995/96 season and went on to retain his crown every year until his retirement in 2015.

He was soon attracting the eyes of big trainers and in 1997 he joined forces with “genius” trainer Martin Pipe, who was the first handler to use both interval training to get his horses fit and a lab at his yard to test equine bloods.

“I was never actually officially Martin’s stable jockey, but I remained riding for him for seven and a half years and notched up over 1,000 winners for the yard,” says the 45-year-old.

“Martin was a pure genius, he was so far ahead of his time. He trained his horses like human athletes, taking inspiration from Czech long-distance runner Emil Zátopek – he focused so much on the horses’ health and fitness.

“I learnt a lot from Martin, he turned me into a machine. He had the mentality that sport wasn’t about just taking part; it was about winning and being the best.”

With horsepower courtesy of late owner David Johnson – including Arkle winner Well Chief and top chaser Cyfor Malta – Martin and AP, in David’s famous blue and green silks, were a dominant force for many years.

A new challenge

In 2004, AP felt ready for a new challenge and he accepted the offer to be the retained jockey for top owner JP McManus, which enabled him to ride more for trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

“I just had a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do at that point of my career; my main focus was still to remain the champion jockey,” reflects AP. “I cried when I told Martin I was leaving because riding for him changed my life. Aside from my agent, Dave Roberts, who got me on to so many great horses, Martin was the person who helped me break so many records during my career.

“Riding for JP was a very different job and I was riding much more in Ireland, but leaving Martin had been a decision I made entirely on my own – I told no one.”

It was on one of JP’s horses, Don’t Push It, that the “Champ” won the Grand National in 2010, a race that had previously eluded him.

“Whenever I was away on holiday, people would always ask me if I’d won the Grand National and I could never say ‘yes’, so it was nice to tick that one off the list before I retired; it probably would have annoyed me otherwise,” he admits. “However, I wouldn’t have lost sleep about it – there are many great jockeys who retired without winning a National.”

AP also won two Cheltenham Gold Cups 15 years apart, first on Mr Mulligan in 1997 and then on Synchronised for JP McManus in 2012.

Amid the dazzling silver cups and bulging trophy cabinets, AP recounts his greatest achievement in the saddle was reaching 4,000 career wins in 2013, a record held by legendary Flat jockey Gordon Richards for 55 years. He became the first ever jump jockey to do so, and the unprecedented milestone came at Towcester aboard a horse called Mountain Tunes.

At that point, AP had already rewritten the history books in 2002 when breaking Gordon’s record of 269 winners in a season – on a horse trained by Martin Pipe called Valfonic at Warwick. “Another day I will never forget,” he reflects.

Hanging up his boots

During a career spanning two decades, AP has endured countless injuries and broken bones, including both collarbones, shoulder blades, lower and middle vertebrae, ribs, cheekbones, a leg, ankle, arm, wrist, punctured lungs, chipped teeth and a dislocated thumb. On the flip side, he has ridden some of the best quality horses in the sport.

“Many of the best I rode were actually catch rides when I was deputising for other jockeys,” he reflects, “such as winning the Melling Chase on Viking Flagship in 1996, the King George VI Chase in 2002 on Best Mate and I rode Master Minded twice when Ruby Walsh was injured and won the 2008 Tingle Creek Chase on him.”

Having ridden a record 4,358 winners, AP retired in 2015. He dramatically announced hanging up his boots live on Channel 4 Racing to a stunned Rishi Persad, while being interviewed after winning at Newbury on Mr Mole – his 200th win of that season.

“Retiring was tough,” he muses. “But I accepted straight away that my riding career was over. I had made the decision five years previously that I would retire when I did. I knew once I hit 40, I wouldn’t be riding for much longer and I wanted to go out at the top.

“As much as I’d have loved to carry on doing it, you have to be a realist. I didn’t want to be a sports person that carried on too long and for people to think that I wasn’t as good as I once was.”

AP’s original plan was to aim for 300 wins in his final season, before retiring. However, an injury in the October – just as the National Hunt season was getting going – put a sad end to that goal, something AP says he “will never get over”.

“When I realised the 300 mark wasn’t going to happen, I changed it to 200, which happened to fall on that day at Newbury. Not many knew about it; my late mother found out I was retiring from the TV. It was hard announcing it live on television. I was tearful and it was tough getting the words out of my mouth.”

AP has been keeping himself busy during retirement over the past five years, managing to adapt following that life-changing announcement at Newbury.

He’s been able to enjoy his food and he’s relished days spent with his family, wife Chanelle and young children Eve and Archie, while not forgetting his beloved golfing holidays abroad. He has also set up a pre training yard at his Lambourn base, Lodge Down Stables, and he assists in the management of JP McManus’ racehorses in the UK.

Perhaps most notably, AP has been part of the ITV Racing presenting team on the big days, such as Cheltenham and Aintree – an experience he says “keeps his mind occupied”. He also partnered up with top showjumper Big Star in 2016 for the pages of Horse & Hound, featuring as the cover hero for that week’s issue of the magazine.

“Nothing will ever fill the void left after being champion jockey for so long, it consumed my life,” he reflects. “But I don’t miss having doctors on speed dial. I don’t miss spending hours on the motorway. I just miss winning, that’s the one thing I miss more than anything.”

‘My favourite horse’

Synchronised – AP won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup on the Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding, who was owned by JP McManus.

The pair then contested the Grand National a month later. They fell at the sixth fence. However, the nine year-old got up and ran on loose before being fatally injured.

“Synchronised was particularly special to me because I actually won on his dam, Mayasta, at Punchestown in 1996. She was also owned by JP and it was back when I was getting going as a jump jockey,” says AP.

“So winning the Gold Cup on him was sentimental and he provided me with one of my best days in the saddle. Losing him in the Grand National that year was tragic.”

Richard Johnson on AP…

“He was a brilliant jockey and very tough, he never gave up on a horse. He was a fierce competitor and we had many great seasons riding together – I have fond memories that bring a smile to my face.

“In any sport, to be champion for two decades is just incredible. He was also a much-liked jockey – you’d be hard pushed to find anyone with bad words about him.

“He was the person I used to go to for advice; we were on the same wavelength and I found him easy to chat to. Of course, my riding career benefited hugely when he retired and I was able to become champion jockey.”

Dave Roberts on AP…

“I was his agent from day one and we spent two brilliant decades working together. It was my job to get him on the quantity of horses that would help him remain champion.The late trainer Toby Balding had sent me a videotape of him riding in Ireland and you could just see that he was way above average for a young jockey. He just had a knack of getting horses to win who shouldn’t have done. He had the right attitude and mental strength; he was just obsessed with winning.

“Looking back, there were more highs than lows and we never had a cross word between us, he was the ultimate professional. We didn’t see that much of each other – it was all done over the phone – but we had a good understanding of each other. He made my job much easier and we had a great friendship, too. I will always be very proud of him and what we achieved together.”

Oliver Townend on AP…

“Watching AP in the saddle, what always stood out for me was the complete confidence he had in himself that he could win any race on any horse. Sometimes I convince myself that, whatever horse I’m riding, I can win and when I don’t, I beat myself up about it – I can relate to AP in that way.

“He impressed me with how focused he was during his career and he’s impressed me after his retirement, anybody who can hold it together after retiring from a career they love has my utter respect. His strength of character has been inspirational.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 7 May 2020

10 brave jockeys, two meddling showjumpers and AP McCoy’s unscheduled dismount — race night at Olympia had it all

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:42:05 +0000

Friday night at Olympia is race night and the Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund always delivers with superb entertainment, some friendly (*fierce*) rivalry and donations a-plenty for this fantastic charity.

Lining up for the boys were 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy, Harry Skelton, Jim Crowley, Tom Scudamore and Nico de Boinville, with team manager Nick Skelton at the helm.

They were taken on in a relay challenge over the coloured poles — with a joker fence to finish — by the girls’ team of Grade One winners Lizzie Kelly and Bryony Frost, Cheltenham victor Bridget Andrews, and weighing room colleagues on the Flat, Josephine Gordon and Nicola Currie, with Pippa Funnell coaching from the ground.

The girls were much the favoured side among the packed crowd, receiving rapturous cheers as first rider Lizzie Kelly set the bar sky high with a flying clear in 38.25sec before clearing the joker to knock four seconds off her time.

Next up was Nico de Boinville, a last-minute replacement for Ryan Moore. Nico had hotfooted straight in to London from winning at Ascot earlier in the day.

“I hope he hasn’t been doing any moonlight schooling on my horses when I haven’t been looking!” said trainer Nicky Henderson of his stable jockey.

Nico rode a surprisingly cautious round in 40.19sec — 36.19sec after the joker fence was cleared — showing superb horsemanship but not quite at the speed his team-mates were expecting.

“We’re all getting very competitive out the back — Lizzie was brilliant but she did miss one of the inside turns so I told the girls: ‘Concentrate — you have to get that inside turn to number six’,” said Pippa Funnell as in came Josephine Gordon as second rider for the girls and immediately upped the pace, heeding Pippa’s instructions by taking every short cut.

Tom Scudamore looked determined in his red silks for the boys but hit two fences, plus the joker, before Nicola Currie, whose equine partner was beautifully adorned with tinsel, kept the girls out in front with a clean and quick round.

The fastest round of the day came from Jim Crowley who, urged on by the crowd, went faster and faster, punching the air in delight as he cleared the joker and put the boys back in the game.

“I don’t think I was very good – I was well horsed!” he said. “He looked after me round there. It’s totally alien to me but it was great fun.”

Bryony Frost attacked the course with great panache but two fences, including the joker, hit the ground.

“Hopeless Harry” was the commentator’s tongue-in-cheek verdict of Harry Skelton’s poles-all-over-the-place-round. He finished with a big grin nevertheless: “It was still a better result than last year because my bridle stayed on,” he laughed, referring to the tack malfunctions he suffered in the competition last year, which were fixed with cable tie provided by his father Nick.

The competition was clinched for the girls by another nifty round from team captain Bridget Andrews, wife of Harry Skelton.

“There should be a stewards’ enquiry — she went before the bell!” said father-in-law Nick Skelton at the gate, in a vain attempt to wipe out the opposition for his boys’ team.

Resigned to another humiliating defeat at the hands of the girls, AP McCoy announced before he set off for the final round of the evening: “I’m not very happy with my team, but it’s a bit too late to change them isn’t it?”

Clare Balding then challenged AP to jump a raised joker fence in return for a whopping eight seconds off his time — and she immediately raised the cups a couple of holes, leaving a rather unconvinced AP to kick on over the first fence on his heel-kicking grey.

No sooner had he turned away to jump the second fence, in ran Nick Skelton and William Funnell to put the joker fence up even higher.

Meanwhile, it was all unravelling for AP. He missed the third fence and the horse decided enough was enough when faced with what was now a towering final vertical thanks to some cheeky meddling by Skelton and Funnell and the greatest jockey of all time was deposited unceremoniously on the Olympia ground.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

His second attempt was equally unsuccessful and, after offering the horse to Nick Skelton to have a go — “He’s broken his neck, don’t make him do it!” shouted Clare Balding — AP finally cleared what was now a cross-pole sized joker on foot, with his horse in tow…

“Harry Skelton said I had to let the girls win,” disputed AP afterwards. “He’s nothing like his Dad, let’s be honest!”

It’s fair to say, the girls well and truly trounced the boys in this contest — by an accumulative time of some 20 seconds in fact. But what a brilliant evening’s entertainment it was.

“It’s very kind of Olympia to let us come here and showcase the Injured Jockeys Fund and the great work they do and thanks to Markel for supporting us this evening,” said AP.

Dressage for AP McCoy while Big Star and Valegro join parade of heroes at Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 10:02:55 +0000

Big Star, Valegro and Chilli Morning are set to make guest appearances at Cheltenham’s Countryside Day next month (15 November).

Sir AP McCoy will also be trying his hand at dressage in a lesson with London 2012 Olympic team gold and individual bronze medallist Laura Tomlinson.

The day is a fundraiser for the Countryside Alliance and also this year for Equestrian Team GBR, to raise money towards the expenses of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“I am very excited about giving AP a lesson on one of our homebred grand prix horses,” said Laura. “It should be very entertaining seeing how he handles a very different type of power to what he is used to!”

The demonstration will take place at 11.45am in the parade ring, ahead of the racing.

This is not Sir AP’s first foray into dressage at Cheltenham — in 2015, the 20-time champion jockey returned to the paddock for a lesson aboard Barolo with Charlotte Dujardin.

“I don’t think AP has cantered this slowly in his life before,” said Yogi Breisner at the time.

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

AP McCoy turns his hand to dressage at Cheltenham

AP McCoy performed a dressage demo with Charlotte Dujardin at Cheltenham

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Big Star back in the ring — with John Whitaker on board

I‘ thought I could show them all how it’s done!’

Multiple Olympic gold medal-winners Big Star and Valegro and 2015 Badminton victor Chilli Morning will be parading for fans.

They will be joined by dual Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, one of the most successful and much-loved chasers of recent years, who completes the quartet of retired equine sporting heroes.

A silent auction, which will start on 26 October and run until 15 November, is expected to be one of the main fundraisers. This will include money can’t buy lots, donated by top British riders.

Gates open at 10.40am and racing starts at 12.30pm.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

AP McCoy speeds to victory with a different sort of horsepower in blistering Bolesworth ride and drive

Lucy Elder — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 08:34:43 +0000

Legendary jump jockey Sir AP McCoy was back on winning form with a different kind of horsepower at the Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show.

The 20-time champion jockey put his foot to the floor in the new Porsche Cayenne coupé to speed to victory along with team-mate Oliver Fletcher in the Porsche Chester ride and drive (15 June).

“That was good riding, he was brilliant,” said AP of Oliver’s blistering round. “I was actually slightly concerned I would let him down!

“Thankfully all went to plan, I’m definitely glad he was doing the riding and I was alright doing the driving.”

Oliver Fletcher and Sir A P Mc Coy in the Ride & Drive jumping competition (S49) at Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show held in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, near Chester in Cheshire in the UK between 12-16th June 2019 (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Oliver, 16, who is juggling GCSEs with competing across the four-star classes at Bolesworth, produced a cracking round aboard Horst Van De Mispelaere — if a stride could be taken out, it certainly was. Combined with their firey pace and tight turns, this gave the team a strong start before AP took to the driving course.

“My horse is a real trier and really up for anything. Everything I asked him to do he did,”said Oliver, who was equally complimentary of AP’s driving.

“His driving was fantastic, wasn’t it! To be partnered with Sir AP McCoy is an honour, he is one of the best sportsmen ever.”

The Porsche Centre Chester Ride & Drive was fast and furious with AP McCoy and Olli Fletcher coming out victorious!We saw some rapid showjumping and flat out driving!#Bolesworth #Porsche #RideandDrivePosted by The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show on Saturday, June 15, 2019

Bolesworth’s commentary team encouraged AP to channel the speed shown by his daughter, Eve, in the mini-major at Liverpool International Horse Show in December.

Fantastic time @LiverpoolInt horse show watching Eve ?Thanks to her fantastic coach Ryan O’Sullivan he has hard job slowing her down ?#heartinmouth #easierwatchinggrandnational #minimajor #echoarena @AP_McCoy pic.twitter.com/dhHpAcMC1jFantastic time @LiverpoolInt horse show watching Eve ?Thanks to her fantastic coach Ryan O’Sullivan he has hard job slowing her down ?#heartinmouth #easierwatchinggrandnational #minimajor #echoarena @AP_McCoy pic.twitter.com/dhHpAcMC1j— Chanelle McCoy (@mccoy_chanelle) December 30, 2018— Chanelle McCoy (@mccoy_chanelle) December 30, 2018

“I thought I did alright considering I could hear over the tannoy that I ‘did ok considering he hasn’t driven for 20 years’,” he said, explaining he had a driver during his racing career due to the miles he was travelling.

“Also my wife thinks I’m the worst driver that’s ever got in a car, so I’m quite pleased to win because of that too!”

And while their win was certainly convincing, AP also had a suggestion for a new class that he would fancy his chances in…

“I think next year we should have a class where we can do both — we would have a good chance if we could both ride and both drive,” he joked. “There’s a few lads who were driving that didn’t look like they would be riders — we might have an even better chance of winning if it worked like that!

“I think I would beat Rory Bremner on a horse,but I’m not sure, he could be better than he looks.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

AP McCoy to showjump and race camels this Easter

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 12:01:51 +0000

Former champion jockey AP McCoy will be showjumping and racing camels on Good Friday as part of the Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day.

More than 25 racing yards, including those of champion trainer Nicky Henderson, Oliver Sherwood and Charlie Hills, will open their doors on 19 April, with a full programme of equine entertainment taking place in the main arena in the afternoon.

This includes a showjumping competition involving AP, Jamie Osbourne and Sara Bradstock, each teamed up with a young rider, over five rounds of fences with the difficulty increasing each time.

The camel racing, which is expected to be fiercely contested, involves two teams, Nico de Boinville, Noel Fehily, Brendan Powell and John Francome versus AP, Jamie, national hunt jockey Lucy Barry and Oliver Sherwood’s assistant trainer Andy Llewellyn.

Mark Smyly, Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day chairman and organiser, said: “The open day is a fantastic way to showcase Lambourn and horseracing to the public, while also raising much-needed funds for some very worthy causes.

“More than 25 racing yards and horse exhibitions will open in the morning before a host of other exciting attractions and entertainment in the afternoon! To have the likes of AP McCoy and John Francome involved and equine legends Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Bobs Worth present on the day is a huge positive for the day.”

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(Image credit: Future)

Race between horse, donkey, unicorn and cow ends in ‘carnage’ at Catterick

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The popular schooling parade of equine heroes will this year feature Coneygree, Buveur D’Air, La Bague Au Roi and Pentland Hills, as well as Sprinter Sacre, Altior and Bobs Worth.

“The sunny weather forecast is also very welcomed after rain meant only Seven Barrows opened last year and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you all to Lambourn,” Mr Smyly added.

For more information, visit the open day website.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

AP McCoy trains Shetland Pony Grand National contenders

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 07:02:19 +0000

Former champion jockey AP McCoy took four lucky children to Ascot for some race training ahead of this year’s Shetland Pony Grand National at Olympia.

Galloping up the home strait were Lucy Aspell, daughter of back-to-back Grand National winner Leighton Aspell, Daisy Harap, Lucas Murphy, whose father Timmy has ridden over 1,000 winners in the professional jump racing world, and Archie Gubb. AP and fellow former racing legend Bob Champion gave the youngsters some top tips for the races next week (17 to 23 December).

Competition will be fierce as this year’s line-up features some of the brightest young names in horse racing.

Olive Nicholls, daughter of 10-time British National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls, will be competing, along with Alice Crowley, daughter of 2016 British Flat racing champion jockey Jim Crowley, in front of the roaring Olympia crowd.

“Alice has been really brave in all her races so far and has really pushed herself. Hopefully she can go out and win at Olympia, but the most important thing is that she’s enjoying herself,” said her father.

All proceeds from the race will go to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Founded in 1983, the charity has raised £16m for cancer research. At last year’s Olympia the young jockeys managed to raise an impressive £42,500 for the charity.

On Friday, 21 December the race night at Olympia gets more grown-up with the addition of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockey’s Fund.

This year competition is a “Battle of the Sexes” with AP McCoy captaining the boys’ team, and Bridget Andrews, who recorded her first Cheltenham Festival winner this year, the girls.

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(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Could Skelton be winning Olympia silverware once again?

There could be a Skelton in the winner’s enclosure again this Christmas...

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘I’m wasted on the Flat’: watch Nick Skelton teaching Frankie Dettori to showjump

H&H went along to watch double Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton put Frankie Dettori and Victoria Pendleton through their paces

On AP McCoy’s team are some of the top names in racing, including current champion jockey, Richard Johnson, who has partnered at least 100 winners, Jim Crowley, who rode over 100 winners of the National Hunt circuit before turning his hand to Flat racing, and three-time champion jockey Ryan Moore.

The other member of the boys’ team is jump jockey Harry Skelton, son of show jumping Olympic gold medallist, Nick Skelton.

“The Markell Champions Challenge is such a crowd pleasure and we all love it. I thought I would ‘retire’ after last year’s win but my kids had other ideas so I’ll be back to beat the girls and claim another win,” said AP McCoy.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

AP McCoy’s daughter set to give the Whitakers a run for their money

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 06:09:31 +0000

If young Eve McCoy is anything like her 20-time champion jockey father Tony “AP” McCoy, the mini major showjumping class at Liverpool International Horse Show in December is set to be a high-octane affair.

The 11-year-old, who is already a keen showjumper, is to line up alongside 13 rivals, each of whom will be paired with one of the top riders in the country — John Whitaker, Laura Renwick and Matt Sampson to name a few — to compete in a relay race over the coloured fences, all riding in fancy dress. The class is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the show.

“I was told I had to be in Liverpool by 30 December — it just shows you how things change in your life when you start getting bossed around by your 11-year-old daughter!” said AP McCoy, who retired from racing in 2015 and now finds himself “being dragged to shows and mucking out ponies”.

AP rode a record 4,358 winners in his career and was crowned champion jockey 20 consecutive times, winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2010. He was knighted in 2016.

AP, his wife Chanelle and son Archie will all be in Liverpool on the Sunday to cheer home the family’s new superstar.

“We’ve planned Christmas around it,” said Chanelle. “We have no expectations — Eve does, of course. But I think it’s a brilliant experience for kids to feel the pressure of the big day when they are young. It really prepares you for later in life and when you do go into the working world, it helps if you know these emotions already.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Bouncing puddings and flying turkeys: Liverpool mini major fancy dress

Here are some of our absolute festive fancy dress outfits from the mini major showjumping competition at Liverpool International

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Bananaman, Batman, and wait, is that a flying chicken…?

Last weekend Bolesworth’s very own superheroes took some time out of their busy schedules fighting crime to team up with

This year’s Liverpool International Horse Show runs at the Echo Arena from 28-31 December. Visit the show’s website for further information.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

12 racing stars who went home a winner at the 2018 McCoys awards

Hannah Lemieux — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:35:06 +0000

Nearly 500 guests from the world of National Hunt attended a star-studded awards ceremony at the home of jump racing, Cheltenham Racecourse, to celebrate the outstanding performances during the 2017/2018 season ahead of the start of an exciting new season.

These awards are named after AP McCoy, the record-breaking 20-time champion jockey, who retired from race-riding in April 2015.

The panel of judges for this year’s awards included Henrietta Knight, trainer of the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate, Steve Jones, racing correspondent of The Sun, Cheltenham’s clerk of the course Simon Claisse and AP McCoy himself. The award winners included both equine and human stars from the industry.

Here is a selection of the winners:

JP McManus (leading owner of four or more horses)

JP comfortably landed the leading owner award, with 34 winners at Jockey Club racecourses across the country — 10 winners clear of his closest pursuer, the partnership of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. He is the most successful owner at the Cheltenham Festival with 54 winners and has won the Champion Hurdle a record seven times, including the latest two renewals with Buveur D’Air.

Nicky Henderson (leading trainer of more than 40 horses)

Nicky gained the leading trainer award having saddled 68 victors across Jockey Club racecourses last season. The Lambourn handler — the most successful British trainer ever at The Festival — saw off last year’s winner Paul Nicholls by eight winners.

The McCoys awards (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Andrew Thornton (outstanding contribution award)

With a career spanning 28 years and a total of 1,007 winners, Andrew is a legend of the weighing room. He retired aged 45 at Uttoxeter in June this year when he was successful aboard Amirr. His career included three winners at The Festival, headlined by Cool Dawn in the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and he partnered See More Business to King George success in 1997. Always one of the most popular members of the weighing room, he was nicknamed “Lensio” because he was one of the first jockeys to wear contact lenses.

Harry Skelton (leading professional jockey)

A very close race for leading professional jockey saw Harry — who has a successful partnership with his trainer brother Dan — take the honours with 40 winners at Jockey Club racecourses. He edged out Sam Twiston-Davies by a narrow margin, who also partnered 40 winners but had less placed mounts.

Andrew Thornton receives the Outstanding Contribution award (Image credit: creditUnknown)

James Bowen (leading conditional jockey)

James hails from a racing dynasty — his father Peter is a jumps trainer, his older brother Sean is a National Hunt jockey too and other brother Mickey is also a trainer. James was a riding sensation during the 2017/2018 season, being crowned champion conditional with 58 successes. He was the leading conditional jockey across the Jockey Club racecourses, with 15 wins — three clear of his closest rival Bryony Frost.

Lorcan Williams (leading amateur jockey)

Lorcan has turned professional over the summer but was the champion amateur last season and rode six winners at Jockey Club racecourses, one clear of Tommie O’Brien and Hugh Nugent. Attached to the powerful Paul Nicholls stable, he is sure to be a name we will hear a lot more from.

Kate Robinson (stable person of the year)

Kate has been head girl to trainer Jamie Snowden since the Lambourn handler first took out his licence in 2008. She is in sole charge of the day-to-day running of the yard, and is an invaluable member of the team. Kate grew up in Cornwall, where she spent most of her childhood with horses, and rode in point-to-points. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a BSc in Equine Science, Kate spent four seasons as head girl on a point-to-point and breaking yard in Warwickshire.

Apple’s Shakira (leading novice hurdler)

Apple’s Shakira, owned by JP McManus and trained by Nicky Henderson, enjoyed a campaign that saw her win three times at Cheltenham. She kicked off at The November Meeting when successful in the Grade Two Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle by 17 lengths, went on to score again at The International in December and in another Grade Two event on Festival Trials Day in January. She was fourth in the Grade One Triumph Hurdle at The Festival and finished the campaign by taking third in Grade One company at Aintree.

Politologue (leading chaser)

Politologue, a grey owned by John Hales and trained by Paul Nicholls, enjoyed four victories at Jockey Club racecourses. He began the campaign with three straight successes — in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park and the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton Park. After finishing fourth behind the mighty Altior in the Grade One Queen Mother Champion Chase at The Festival, he ended the campaign on a high when landing the Melling Chase at Aintree.

Native River (horse performance of the season)

Native River won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March in tremendous style. Owned by Brocade Racing and trained by Colin Tizzard, Native River was one of the leading chasers in the 2016/2017 season, when he won the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National. During the 2017/2018 campaign he was kept fresh for The Festival and was not seen out until winning the Denman Chase at Newbury in February. He then headed back to Cheltenham and made all for a gallant victory over Might Bite in the Cheltenham Gold Cup under regular jockey Richard Johnson.

Native River wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup. (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Tiger Roll (judges’ choice award)

Owner Michael O’Leary described Tiger Roll as a “a little rat of a thing, but he has the heart of a lion”. With three wins in three different races at the Festival — the 2014 Triumph Hurdle, the 2017 National Hunt Chase and the 2018 Cross-Country Chase — the son of 2007 Derby winner Authorized is one of the most versatile horses seen in recent times. In 2018, Tiger Roll added the biggest prize of all to his CV — the Grand National, holding on for a head-length success under Davy Russell.

Might Bite (horse of the season)

Trained by Nicky Henderson for the Knot Again Partnership, Might Bite enjoyed an outstanding season, winning three of his four starts and running another excellent race when runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. After an easy winning reappearance at Sandown in November, he landed the Boxing Day highlight at Kempton Park, the King George VI Chase. On the back of that performance, he was sent off the 4/1 favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup but found Native River too strong. He ended the season with a Grade One victory at Aintree.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

AP McCoy leads legendary jump jockeys to Olympia glory

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:27:03 +0000

The jump jockeys gained their revenge after last year’s defeat to the Flat boys in Friday night’s thrilling — and fiercely competitive — Markel Champions Challenge over the coloured obstacles at Olympia.

Captained by 20-time champion AP McCoy and trained by H&H columnist Graham Fletcher, the five-man team of legendary former National Hunt jockeys produced the winning performance over Frankie Dettori’s squad, coached by reigning Olympic champion Nick Skelton.

“It’s nice to beat Dettori!” said AP, who lined up alongside former champions Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody, John Francome and Charlie Swan, who boast an astounding 47 championship titles between them.

“The first year we did it [the Markel Challenge], the jump jockeys won, then we were a bit disappointed last year when we had a team of current jump jockeys and the Flat jockeys won — so I sacked them all,” said AP with a grin. “It was time to bring in a slightly older A-team.

“I said we needed a team of champions to put the Flat boys in their place — not knowing that they had lined up a team of champions for this year, too.”

With such huge rivalry between the two teams, who were raising invaluable funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund, the Flat jockeys’ team captain Frankie Dettori announced himself “devastated” to lose.

“You know what AP’s like — he’ll never let me forget this now,” said the Italian. “And now he works for ITV racing, every time I ride a winner he’s going to mention the fact he beat me. But ‘Scu’ [Peter Scudamore, from the winning team] was brilliant he said ‘Imagine how good we were when we were young!’”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Frankie’s team-mates were three-time champion-turned-trainer Richard Hughes, Jamie Spencer, Jim Crowley and three-time champion Ryan Moore.

There was some comeuppance for Frankie, however, as his accomplished round on the brilliant “Barry” — an experienced showjumper borrowed from Tim Gredley — was well over a second quicker than AP’s.

So will the jump jockeys return to the saddle to bid for a winning double next year?

“No — we’re firmly retired again now!” said AP.

Don’t miss the full report from the London International Horse Show at Olympia in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 December.

Watch AP McCoy and his Olympia team’s showjumping lesson

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 18:15:16 +0000

AP McCoy was not happy when the jump jockeys lost against their Flat rivals during the Markel Champions Challenge, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, at Olympia last Christmas.

So, this year the 20-time champion jump jockey has decided to pull together a crack team, including John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Richard Dunwoody and nine-time Irish champion jockey, Charlie Swan, to do battle once again.

This time AP has some fierce ammunition as they are five of the finest horsemen you can find — and while they may have a combined age of 219, they also have an impressive 38 jump jockeys’ titles between them. However, they will come up against some tough competition in Frankie Dettori and his “Flat” team of Jim Crowley, Ryan Moore, Jamie Spencer and Richard Hughes.

In preparation, for the big occasion on 15 December, the ex-jump jockeys — minus Mr Swan — met for a training session with their team trainer, H&H columnist Graham Fletcher (pictured, below) and we joined them behind the scenes to find out how the prep is going…

Champion jockeys Richard Dunwoody , Peter Scudamore AP McCoy and John Francome get a show jumping lesson from Olympic show jumper , Graham Fletcher , ahead of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at Olympia on Friday 15th December 2017.©cranhamphoto.com (Image credit: cranhamphoto.com)

“The main difference these boys are having to get used to is the change in stride pattern — they are used to going on long strides,” explains Graham. “With showjumping you have to come round the corner and ‘check’ before the fence.”

The top trainer sets a course of 1.10m fences for the quartet to have a jump over — including a water tray seven strides to a double, followed by a right-hand turn to a double of uprights.

“They are all champion jockeys — they are proper horsemen and can get on any horse and get a feel for that horse straight away,” adds Graham, as one-by-one the former jockeys pop round the course making it all look far too easy.

They will all be partnering experienced showjumpers — two of which are from Graham’s Faringdon yard.

“It is for a really great cause [the Injured Jockeys Fund] and I’m lucky to be riding a nice horse,” says AP (pictured, below), who had ridden out at the yard of Nicky Henderson before the training session.

“It’s obviously very different to what we are used to racing. On a racehorse you just want to get from A-to-B as fast as possible, whereas showjumping is so much about striding and precision.”

Champion jockey AP McCoy getting a show jumping lesson from Olympic show jumper , Graham Fletcher , ahead of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at Olympia on Friday 15th December 2017.©cranhamphoto.com (Image credit: cranhamphoto.com)

Team-mate John Francome, who is going back to his roots having showjumped from the age of 14 until 17 and nearly ended up working for Harvey Smith before switching to racing, adds: “It is probably harder for the Flat boys because it is a bit more outside their comfort zone, although they did win it last year…

“We just need to make sure we don’t interfere with the horses — they know what they are doing — and get into a nice rhythm.”

Peter Scudamore, meanwhile, has travelled down from Scotland with his partner, Grand National-winning training Lucinda Russell, in their trusty camper van especially for the training session. “He is taking this really seriously, which is great,” adds Lucinda of “Scu” as she watches proudly from the sidelines.

“I got back riding out the racehorses in the summer after about seven years away from it — just to get fit for this!” explains Peter.

After about half-an-hour under the expert eye of their team trainer, the quartet certainly look fine-tuned — can they pull it out of the bag and claim the title from the reigning champions, the Flat jockeys? Well, they certainly think they are a force to be reckoned with…

Olympia, the London International Horse Show takes place from 12-18 December — don’t miss full coverage of Olympia in the Horse & Hound

AP McCoy goes showjumping: check out photos of his training ahead of Olympia

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:15:00 +0000

They have been at the top of their game on the racecourse but how will the quartet of AP McCoy, John Francome, Peter Scudamore and Richard Dunwoody cope within the famous Olympia arena? The team received a ‘lesson’ from top showjumping trainer Graham Fletcher ahead of their appearance in the Markel Champions Challenge (15 December) — in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund — when they will go head-to-head against Frankie Dettori and his team of Flat jockeys.

The 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy makes this showjumping malarkey look easy...

Team captain AP McCoy poses alongside Richard Dunwoody (left), Peter Scudamore (second left) and John Francome (right)

Richard Dunwoody takes to the saddle aboard a horse borrowed from team trainer Graham Fletcher

The jump boys — who have 38 jump jockeys' titles between them — pose with their trainer Graham Fletcher, who they hope is going to guide them to victory at Olympia

Should the Flat boys be worried? The champion ex-jump jockeys may have a combined age of 219, but they say they're a force to be reckoned with...

Francome, where has your horse gone?! Let's hope he finds it by the time Olympia comes round...

Team captain AP McCoy will partner a borrowed horse from Graham Fletcher's yard

Peter Scudamore started riding again in the summer, after a seven-year hiatus, in a bid to get fit for the challenge at Olympia

We reckon that was a racing stride there, AP...

John Francome leads the charge (no they are not at a Pony Club rally...)

5 reasons why Wiltshire is heaven for horse lovers (and it’s not just because Andrew Nicholson lives there)

Madeleine Silver — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 08:55:58 +0000

A heavy hint that you’re entering an equestrian haven when you cross the border into Wiltshire is the sight of eight white horses carved neatly into the hillside. And if you’re looking for hard evidence of its horsey credentials, a look down the addresses of the world’s top eventers should do the trick; Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd and Tim Price all call it home.

We round up some of the best hotspots for horse lovers in the county…

The tack shop

Wadswick, near Corsham

Step into this country emporium to buy a hairnet, and you will leave laden with a new wardrobe for every eventuality. The sprawling selection of bits, breeches, gifts and feed has come a long way since the store’s first product line of homegrown potatoes when it opened its doors in the 1980s.

Opening times: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm,  Sun: 11am-4pm

wadswick.co.uk

The equestrian centre

West Wilts Equestrian Centre, near Trowbridge

Riders from the surrounding counties flock to this Mecca for competitions and training, from unaffiliated hunter trials and evening showjumping to an intermediate horse trials. With a 30.5x72m indoor school and two outdoor arenas, competitors aren’t short of space to clock up some mileage.

westwilts.com

The picnic spot

Barbury Horse Trials, near Marlborough (pictured above)

If we were charged with creating a Visit Wiltshire ad campaign, the view over the natural amphitheatre at Barbury Castle would be our centrepiece. Pick your picnic spot on the edge of the main arena during the horse trials in July, divvy up the Pimm’s and don’t move for the rest of the day — from here you’ll be able to see the showjumping in front of you, and the cross-country unfolding across the hillside beyond.

barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

The adrenalin fix

Larkhill Racecourse, near Salisbury

Pack all your coats, all your hats and all your gloves and make a beeline to Larkhill Racecourse this winter for a point-to-point — there are seven fixtures at the racecourse between December this year and April 2018. The bitter wind blowing off Salisbury Plain will soon be brushed aside by the adrenalin of watching some of Britain’s best pointers in action. And if you get really desperate, you can walk the course.

pointtopoint.co.uk

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Bag yourself a bargain with one of these horsey homes

Our pick of properties that you don’t need

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Avebury 2000-2016: Celebrating a remarkable life in pictures

Andrew Nicholson's iconic grey ride certainly made his

The pub

Outside Chance, near Marlborough

Pull up a stool at the bar where 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy celebrated riding his 4000th winner. The pub was created in 2008 from the gambling winnings of Howard Spooner’s racehorse Only Dreams, a 100-1 winner at Leicester, and serves up hearty mains to refuel you after a day in the saddle.

Opening times: 11am-11pm every day

theoutsidechance.co.uk

Don’t miss this week’s property special in Horse & Hound magazine (28 September 2017), where we take a closer look at the property market in Wiltshire, round up some of the best equestrian properties for under £500,000 and find out how to make sure you’re paying the right price for a property

Watch tiny rescue pony prepare for Burghley Horse Trials debut #BurghleyPony

Madeleine Silver — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 16:39:37 +0000

All eyes will be on the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this weekend (31 August-3 September 2017) as the world's best eventers tackle the famous four-star. But there will be one, slightly unusual, equine star in the mix. Meet World Horse Welfare Pamela...

The pony: World Horse Welfare Pamela

Standing at just 8.3hh, Pamela isn’t your average four-star eventer. And her start in life wasn’t straightforward either. In April 2014, World Horse Welfare Field Officer Jacko Jackson was alerted to a group of Shetlands in trouble and upon arriving at the location he found six ponies all suffering badly from laminitis. Working with the RSPCA, all ponies were removed to safety where they could begin treatment and rehabilitation. Thanks to the hard work of the World Horse Welfare team (Horse & Hound‘s charity of the year for 2017), Pamela’s future looks bright — and she’s stepped up to the challenge of working with some of the equestrian world’s biggest names as she prepares for her first four-star…

The rider: AP McCoy

“I’m really looking forward to coming out of retirement and trying my hand at another equine sport,” says the champion jockey. “I don’t have much experience on the flat so the dressage might be a little problem, but I’m very lucky that I have a very good mount in Pamela.”

Dressage: Carl Hester

“The dressage in eventing is quite difficult, especially at Burghley,” says dressage Olympian Carl Hester.“We have half-passes, extended trot, collected trot and the flying changes, so it’s been a real honour for me to bring this partnership together. And I think the judges are going to have quite a shock…”

Cross-country: Mark Todd

“To be honest I was quite surprised when I first saw her,” says five-time Burghley winner Mark Todd. “She’s not what you’d first expect in an event horse. You don’t see many palomino eventers, and I certainly don’t remember seeing any go around Burghley recently.”

Showjumping: Tim Stockdale

“Her strengths are very simple,” says Tim Stockdale. “She has a low centre of gravity, and therefore when it comes to turns in the showjumping arena it’s very easy for her. She’s very nimble.”

Fitness and mental preparation: Yogi Breisner

“We have got a game plan,” coach Yogi Breisner tells Pamela. “You know what you need to do when you get to Burghley. If you keep to the plan and keep your concentration, you will be absolutely fine.”

Are you heading to Burghley this weekend (31 August-3 September)? Make sure you visit the “celebrity talk area” where you can meet Pamela

Don’t miss our exclusive form guide to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in tomorrow’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (31 August 2017), and our full report in the 7 September 2017 issue

AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori to go head-to-head at Olympia

Sarah Radford — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 07:44:48 +0000

Spectators at this year’s Olympia, the London International Horse Show (12-18 Dec) will be treated to a head-to-head battle between two of the world’s greatest jockeys.

Twenty-time National Hunt champion Sir AP McCoy and Flat legend Frankie Dettori will be heading to the London venue to test their skills over a course of showjumps.

Last year, crowds witnessed the Markel Champions Challenge, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, which saw Frankie’s team defeat Richard Johnson’s band of jump jockeys in a relay contest against the clock.

This year, it will be AP who steps out of retirement to spearhead the opposition during Olympia’s Friday night “race night”.

Both Frankie, AP and their team members will receive specialist coaching from top international showjumpers in the run-up to the show down.

“Last year, I watched from the sidelines as my fellow jump jockeys got thrashed by Dettori’s boys, so this year I shall be picking my own team and shall be looking to the greats of the past to help me do this,” AP said. “Whilst we’ll be ultra-competitive, it’s all for such a great cause in the Injured Jockeys Fund.”

As two of the most successful jockeys in history, there is no doubt that Frankie and AP will be seeking to field the most competent team members, with their line-ups to be announced closer to the show.

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Relive the moment: watch Valegro’s Olympia retirement

A half-hour special video shows the dressage superstar's exemplary bowing-out ceremony

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Suffering from Olympia withdrawal symptoms? Check out these pictures to cheer you up

It's a well known fact that the end of Olympia can prompt some harrowing withdrawal symptoms — but this selection

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Watch champion jockey AP McCoy riding Olympic gold-medallist Big Star

Have we found a new career for the Grand National-winning jockey?

Juliet Redfern, managing director of Markel’s equine and livestock team said: “Markel are so pleased to continue its involvement with the Markel Champions Challenge. As a child I remember watching similar classes so having the opportunity to be involved in resurrecting this concept and bringing it to the public on the Olympia stage was really exciting.

“Over the past three years the success and support we’ve seen just keeps growing.”

“The jockeys love it as much as the audience,” said Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund. “It also serves to highlight the important work the Injured Jockeys Fund does in racing and across the wider equestrian world.”

Friday night at Olympia will witness an entire evening of racing-themed excitement. Spectators can also expect to see appearances from racing legend Bob Champion whose charity, The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, is supported by The Shetland Pony Grand National.

For tickets and more information about Olympia’s London International Horse Show, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Watch AP McCoy put a promising racehorse through his paces

Hannah Lemieux — Tue, 02 May 2017 11:17:39 +0000

AP McCoy may have retired from racing but it didn’t stop him from donning his gear and getting back in the saddle to put a promising four-year-old through its paces on the gallops.

The 20-time champion jockey, who hung up his boots in 2015, made a visit to the Andover yard of racehorse trainer Jeremy Gask.

He was teamed up with the stable’s bright hope Born To Finish. The gelding is joint-owned by ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who is part of a syndicate named Crowd Racing Partnership.

Credit: InThePaddock.co.uk

“It was great riding Ian’s horse Born to Finish. He’s a good horse, with loads of speed and it’s great that Ian’s had so much success with him,” said AP of the son of Dark Angel, who has enjoyed success on the all-weather including a hat trick of wins within two weeks.

“We could do with seeing more lads like Ian getting involved in racing — so hopefully we’ll see more of him on the racecourse,” he added.

(Image credit: onEdition)

Ian, a former record goal scorer for Arsenal, has relished his experience as a racehorse owner and described watching AP aboard his horse as “a beautiful thing.”

He added: “It’s my first go at ownership and I’m in with a group of people — it’s really nice when you’re with everybody and they’re all so excited about it because you all have a little piece of him. A hat trick of wins was unbelievable.

“I just want the horse to be okay — whether it wins or loses — I’m not really too fussed, but the fact is, you just feel a nice bond with him. It’s been such good fun.”

AP also treated visitors to Lambourn Open Day on Good Friday (14 April) when he took part in a schooling session upsides John Francome, before enjoying a spot of mounted games during the annual jockeys challenge.

Don’t miss all the latest news and reports in Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

‘It will give the birds somewhere to sit’: AP McCoy statue to be unveiled at Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 18:30:51 +0000

A life-size bronze statue of Sir AP McCoy will be unveiled at Cheltenham during the Festival.

It has been made by Dublin-based sculptor Paul Ferriter, whose other works include Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition as well as jockeys Martin and Tim Molony.

The sculpture, which took six months to make, will stand on the Best Mate Plaza at the northern entrance to the racecourse and will be revealed on Champion Day (14 March).

“I thought most people got a statue when they were dead! I guess it will give the birds somewhere to sit,” said AP.

“His dedication to getting it right was really outstanding, from measuring me to videoing me and when I was standing for him.

“Some of my friends were wondering whether the statue was going to be the old or new me — the 10-stone one or the 12-stone one! Paul has done really well in sculpturing me as a jockey and it was a very enjoyable working with him.

“I last saw Paul’s work about seven weeks ago, just before it was about to get bronzed and it looked very, very good. I took some videos and showed them to friends who agreed that Paul has really captured my likeness.”

During his race-riding, AP rode 31 Cheltenham Festival winners, including two Gold Cups and three Champion Hurdles.

Mr Ferriter said the 20-time champion jump jockey was “very easy to work with and very likeable”.

“For me, as a sculptor, he was a brilliant subject. AP has a really great face with incredible cheekbones, a great jaw and chin as well as really good hair.

“He is also a really funny guy and was incredibly obliging throughout the process. In terms of the piece, what I really wanted to try and capture was the kind of intensity that AP has, his total dedication.

“I have basically produced the classic AP pose – standing with his arms folded and the whip under his arm, with an intense look on his face.

“It is a pre-race pose, lost in maybe that pre-race anxiety and always looking to the future.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The sculpture was made at Croke Park stadium, where Mr Ferriter’s studio is based. AP also gave him a set of his silks which were then dressed on a mannequin to help with the design.

“One challenge I did have was the fact AP has changed a lot since he stopped riding,” said Mr Ferriter.

“So I had to go over old images and photos — I really wanted to get the look he had when he was a jockey and at his racing weight. All of us change over time!”

Ian Renton, of The Jockey Club, added: “Paul’s work is absolutely outstanding and it will be a great prelude to the Festival when the statue is unveiled to the public before racing on Champion Day.”

Flat jockeys beat their jumping rivals at Olympia

Sarah Radford — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 21:19:28 +0000

The “Flat Boys” team, captained by Frankie Dettori, triumphed over Richard Johnson’s band of jump jockeys to win the Markel champions challenge — in aid of the Horse & Hound’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund — by a whopping 45.51 sec at Olympia, The London International Horse Show earlier today.

Trained by Scott Brash, Frankie’s team of Adam Kirby, Jamie Spencer, Jim Crowley and Bridget Andrews were clear winners over the Nick Skelton-backed side of Victoria Pendleton, Tom Scudamore, Sam Twiston-Davies and Harry Skelton.

“I had a very good team and I didn’t just come here to take part. I wanted to win,” said Frankie. “I think we’ll be able to dine out on this one for many days.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

AP McCoy, watching in the ring, had backed the jump jockeys as natural favourites to win the eight-fence “rescue relay”, but admitted “they’ve never done anything as complicated as this in their lives”.

“If they don’t get lost, they should have the advantage,” he said.

Adam Kirby, first out for the Flat Boys, happily hunted round to add just 3sec for a rail at the third fence. While Jamie Spencer saw a stride no-one else could see at fence six and demolished it, he made it safely through the finish with just one other down to add to the tally.

Jim Crowley made some time up on the clock with a good turn back to the fifth, but also added a 6sec penalty, while Bridget Andrews looked at home throughout a tidy round but had 9sec to add.

Last out for his team, Frankie led them in exemplary style — although the less sporting may have termed it “cheating” — when he produced a clear on a scopey bay showjumper he had borrowed from neighbour Tim Gredley.

“I don’t know his full name, but we call him Barry. He looked after me great,” Frankie said. “It’s very hard to find the balance but I went as fast as I could without knocking stuff over — I had a good horse.”

Continued below…

‘I’m wasted on the Flat’: watch Nick Skelton teaching Frankie Dettori to showjump

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Victoria Pendleton, first to go for the jump jockeys on a dependable grey, was certainly not rivaling her gold medal-winning cycling times, but did her trainer Nick proud as she produced the only other clear of the competition.

Victoria Pendleton on her way to a clear round in the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at Olympia. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Richard Johnson, meanwhile, was seeing some steeplechasing strides and kept Nick on his toes as a brake failure saw him throw down the whip to make the handover. Once the baton was retrieved and he was able to get going, Tom Scudamore set off at speed only to have a run out at a red vertical. He successfully negotiated it at the second attempt — a feat which was unrelated to Nick standing in the gap next to the wing waving his arms.

Not learning from his team mate’s mistake, Sam Twiston-Davies followed suit and ducked out at the same fence, so it was left to Harry Skelton to redeem the side. He proved himself a chip off the block as he whizzed round the inside routes to just add 3sec at the penultimate fence.

“I actually thought I was a good jockey, but watching them go round no wonder I beat them!” AP ruefully observed.

The experience over the coloured poles further cemented Victoria’s conversion from two wheels to four legs.

“It’s something that makes me very happy — I almost feel sick sometimes, I love it so much,” she said. “I couldn’t have anticipated how much I love it, I think horses will be a part of my life forever.”

Tackling depression: Jockeys speak out in new video

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 14:20:19 +0000

AP McCoy has spoken out about the mental battles, such as depression, and the unique pressures that jockeys face on a daily basis.

The former 20-time champion jump jockey features in a new documentary about mental health and wellbeing released today (10 October) to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

The eight-minute film is part of the ‘Jockey Matters’ series produced by the Jockey Employment and Training scheme (JETS) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA). The short films focus on a range of issues surrounding jockey welfare, including nutrition, fitness, rehabilitation and now mental health.

“Sport is not a very level thing, it’s not like a nine-to-five job where the same things happen every day,” said AP. “You experience the highs and the lows, but it’s coping with the lows that’s the most difficult part.”

Other jockeys speaking openly on film about personal battles include Daryl Jacob, Mark Enright and dual Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell, who briefly retired from race-riding in 2007.

Mark Enright was the first jockey to speak publicly about suffering from depression and it is hoped the film will encourage jockeys to speak out about their experiences.

The documentary also signposts the 24-hour PJA confidential wellbeing phoneline set up to help jockeys who are struggling with the day-to-day pressures of the weighing room.

“The world’s best coach I’ve ever met in sport recently told me the greatest strength you have is to ask for help. In the past it was seen as a sign of weakness, but that is total nonsense,” stresses sports psychologist Michael Caulfield.

In July this year, six-time British champion Flat jockey Kieren Fallon was forced to retire from the saddle following an ongoing battle with depression, for which he received medical treatment.

Continued below…

Depression forces Kieren Fallon to quit race riding

‘I credit Murphy with getting my head straight’: when horses have healing powers

Jockey run over by ambulance after being kicked in the face

Both the British Horseracing Authority and Racing Welfare signed the Mental Health Charter this year — joining the PJA as signatories.

“Given the unique pressures faced by jockeys, we knew how important it was to offer them a service such as the PJA helpline,” added Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the PJA.

“More and more jockeys are using it and we’re hoping that the one-to-one confidential sessions will play a vital role in improving the mental wellbeing of jockeys across the country.”

Nick Skelton ‘amazed’ by calls for him to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:08:41 +0000

Nick Skelton has told H&H he is “amazed” by the support he’s received after his gold medal-winning performance at Rio 2016, especially by the calls for him to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

A SPOTY campaign has quickly gathered on social media, with equestrian fans and supporters posting “#skelfies” with Nick.

Even 20-time champion jump jockey Sir AP McCoy is backing Nick for the accolade.

Nick told H&H: “It’s fantastic the support I’m getting from people young and old; and even from Sir AP. It would be an honour for showjumping.”

At 58 years old Nick became Britain’s second-oldest Olympic gold medallist when he won the individual showjumping at Rio last week (Friday 19 August). The only person older was Joshua Millner, who was 61 when he took shooting gold in 1908. Nick’s victory was also Team GB’s first individual showjumping medal since 1972 when Anne Moore won silver.

“Nick is as good a showjumper as there’s ever been,” said AP in his William Hill blog today (Tuesday 23 August).

“To go to seven Olympic Games and win gold with possibly his last chance is an incredible feat. If I could pick one person, I would love to see Nick Skelton win Sports Personality of the Year. I’ve known him a long time and have always thought he’s a brilliant rider. I have great respect for him. He’s very gifted.”

Nick made his Olympic debut in 1988 and missed only one, Sydney 2000, after he broke his neck. He was forced to retire from showjumping in 2001, but after recovering he returned to the sport in 2002.

Forty-two-year-old AP, who retired in April 2015, joked: “With Nick winning a gold medal at the age of 58, I was thinking maybe I retired too early. Could I go for a career switch? I wouldn’t mind riding Big Star.”

But it’s a tough year for SPOTY. Brits won 67 medals in 15 different sports at Rio, finishing second in the medal table behind the USA.

AP, who was crowned SPOTY in 2010, thinks that tennis star Andy Murray is likely to take the award, for a third time.

“I’d like to see Nick win Sports Personality, but who do I think will win it? Andy Murray is favourite and if he hadn’t already won it twice, I’d say he was a good thing,” he continued.

“Maybe he deserves to win it again though, winning Wimbledon and Olympic gold in the same year.”

Nick is currently a 50/1 shot with the bookmakers. Andy Murray is favourite at 11/10 and Mo Farah is 2/1.

Gold medal-winning dressage star Charlotte Dujardin also has a slot in the bookmakers’ odds at 100/1.

Related articles:

AP is one of just four riders to have won a SPOTY, alongside David Broome in 1960, Princess Anne in 1971 and Zara Phillips in 2006.

Charlotte Dujardin finished fourth in 2014, despite a huge push by the equestrian industry and an army of dressage fans.

Zara Tindall and AP McCoy go head-to-head on polo field

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 14:17:16 +0000

Elite eventer Zara Tindall and 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy captain the teams for the inaugural Jockeys vs Olympic Legends polo match on 19 June.

The celebrity match takes place at the Beaufort Polo Club near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

Zara said she is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve watched a bit of polo and played a couple of times in the past, so I know polo ponies are extremely responsive and very quick,” she said.

Joining her all-female ‘Olympic legends’ team is multi medal-winning dressage rider Laura Tomlinson, who should be able to get some tips from her professional polo playing husband, Mark.

The match will be the first for Olympic track cycling medallist now amateur jockey Victoria Pendleton, who recently tried her hand at polo alongside AP McCoy.

RICHMOND, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Victoria Pendleton plays polo during the Laurues King Power Polo Cup media day at Ham Polo Club on May 9, 2016 in Richmond, England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images for Laureus) (Image credit: Getty Images for Laureus)

Heather Fell completes the line-up of Olympic legends. The modern pentathlete won a silver medal at the 2008 summer Olympics and finished that season ranked number one in the World.

She has also won multiple individual and British team medals on the European and world circuit.

“Polo is a difficult sport but great fun and I’m confident that the Olympic ladies will find our true competitive spirit and do ourselves proud,” said Zara Phillips.

AP heads the jockeys team

On the jockeys team AP McCoy is joined by John Francome, Richard Dunwoody, and Marcus Armytage, H&H’s racing columnist.

“I’ve ridden a fair few horses in my time, but I’ve only had a go at polo once and it wasn’t easy,” said AP McCoy.

Since retiring from competitive racing last year he has been playing golf so can hit a ball, but “it is a real challenge from the back of a horse”.

Continued below…

AP McCoy and Victoria Pendleton try polo – AP admits: ‘I chose the right career as a jockey’

Zara Phillips’ 8 stable management secrets

Sir AP McCoy named as new Injured Jockeys Fund president

All the proceeds from the match and charity lunch will go to LAPResearch UK, the charity dedicated to research into diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tree.

The charity match is at 3pm on Sunday 19 June, the second day of the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo at the Beaufort Polo Club in Westonbirt.

AP McCoy and Victoria Pendleton try polo – AP admits: ‘I chose the right career as a jockey’

Lucy Elder — Wed, 11 May 2016 06:02:46 +0000

AP McCoy was back in the saddle yesterday (9 May) to try his hand at polo.

The racing legend joined Victoria Pendleton and England rugby star Jonathan Joseph in a polo lesson as part of the Laureus King Power Polo Cup preview.

RICHMOND, ENGLAND - MAY 09: AP McCoy learns to play polo during the Laurues King Power Polo Cup media day at Ham Polo Club on May 9, 2016 in Richmond, England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images for Laureus) (Image credit: Getty Images for Laureus)

Tuition was given by King Power Foxes player Hugo Lewis — British Young Player of 2015.

AP enjoyed the session but said he thought he had “chosen the right career” in racing.

“I’ve spent my life around horses and today was a great experience, it was enjoyable to learn about the sport of polo and the skill required to compete at the highest level,” he said.

“I think I chose the right career as a jockey though!”

Laureus is a global organisation that aims to improve people’s lives through sport. It is made up of three branches — a world sports academy, “Sport for Good” and the Laureus World Sports Awards.

The organisation’s first patron was Nelson Mandela.

“It’s a privilege to be here today to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good, something I’m passionate about,” added the 20-time champion jockey.

Since its inception, Laureus has raised more than €100m (£78.77m) for projects to improve the lives of young people.

RICHMOND, ENGLAND - MAY 09: AP McCoy (C) and Victoria Pendleton (L) learn to play polo during the Laurues King Power Polo Cup media day at Ham Polo Club on May 9, 2016 in Richmond, England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images for Laureus) (Image credit: Getty Images for Laureus)

Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Victoria added: “I’m always looking to set myself new goals and challenge myself so learning polo was fun for me.

“I know how important the work Laureus Sport for Good does and it is an honour for me to be here to spread the message about the power sport has to improve the lives of young people around the world.”

Related articles:

The Laureus King Power Polo Cup tournament, to be held on 16 June at Ham Polo Club in London, will raise funds for Fundación Laureus Argentina.

“This is a bit of a change from my usual Monday training session but learning from Hugo about polo has been amazing,” said Jonathan.

“The people who play the sport are incredibly talented.”

Happy Birthday AP McCoy! His career in pics

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 04 May 2016 11:23:14 +0000

To celebrate the 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy's 42nd birthday today (4 May 2016), we've picked out just some of the many highlights from an outstanding career in the saddle, before his retirement last April

1. The best things come to those who wait

In 2010, on his 15th attempt, AP McCoy lands the Grand National. He rode Don’t Push It to victory for owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O’Neill. The emotion tells it all.

A P McCoy winning the Grand National on Dont Push It. 10/4/2010 Pic Steve Davies/Racingfotos.com (Image credit: creditUnknown)

2. Record breaker

In 2013, McCoy becomes the first jockey to ride 4,000 winners, steering another JP McManus mount, Mountain Tunes, to victory at Towcester.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

3. Champion at Cheltenham

Two seasons in to his professional riding career in Great Britain, the Ulster-born jockey lands his first Cheltenham Festival race – the Champion Hurdle on Make A Stand.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

4. Family first

The Champ now lives in Berkshire with his wife Chanelle and two children Eve and Archie.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

5. Tony “The Real” McCoy gives Eric Bristow some anxious moments

He may have spent the past quarter of a century dedicated to the racetrack, but McCoy found time outside his “day job” to dabble in some other sports. We hear he is a master of the swing on the golf course and seems to have a talent for darts. We’re not sure if he’s found his second career, however.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. Recognised by all

In 2010, he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year – the first jockey to earn the title. And in 2015 he received a lifetime achievement award at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year show.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

7. Media scrum

McCoy faces a barrage of photographers after his Grand National success and he was followed by a hefty herd of journalists and autograph-hunters ever since he announced he would be retiring.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

8. Gold!

McCoy lands the first of his two Cheltenham Gold Cup successes on Mr Mulligan in 1997.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

9. The ups and the downs

As well as winning every major National Hunt race, McCoy has experienced several bone-crunching falls in his career, breaking nearly every bone in his body.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

10. Best ever

McCoy names Synchronised as one of the best horses he’s ever ridden. They triumphed in the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the jockey was said to be absolutely devastated when his mount was fatally injured during the Grand National that same year.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

11. Popular

With weighing room colleague Ruby Walsh.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

AP McCoy to help ex-racehorses find new careers

Sir AP McCoy named as new Injured Jockeys Fund president

12. The legend that is AP McCoy

Since his retirement the racing world has missed his determined finishes, his complete sportsmanship and his humour. The weighing room will never be quite the same again.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘I’m still hungry to retain title’: Richard Johnson crowned champion jump jockey

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 10:00:52 +0000

After 16 years as runner-up, H&H racing columnist Richard Johnson finally lifted the champion jump jockey trophy, in front of a packed crowd at Sandown on Saturday (23 April).

“It all feels a bit surreal,” Richard told H&H. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It’s just brilliant. I feel so proud and extremely grateful for all the support I have received over the years.”

Last year’s finale was an emotional one, with AP McCoy bowing out of the sport after 20 years at the top. But this year was equally memorable and touching, with Richard receiving a warm response from fans.

Richard’s total of 235 winners this season was the highest since AP’s score of 258 in 2003.

Aidan Coleman was the closest runner-up on 130 wins in the season.

Richard received a guard of honour from his weighing room colleagues as he entered the paddock to receive his trophy from AP McCoy.

The trophy is a new one, commissioned by Great British Racing and designed by Asprey of London, after the previous trophy was given to AP on his retirement in honour of his achievements.

The trophy, which bears the image of AP, also is engraved with the words “bravery, dedication, resilience, talent”.

Richard, who has ridden more than 3,000 winners in his career, told H&H it was “a dream come true”.

And his day was topped off by a win for 11-year-old Menorah, trained by Philip Hobbs, in the Grade Two bet365 Oaksey Chase.

“I owe a massive thanks to everyone who has been involved over the years, my wife Fiona, my agent Dave Roberts, Philip Hobbs, and all the other trainers, owners who have supported me and the stable staff who have looked after the horses and helped me get here,” added Richard.

“It’s a relief to have finally won, but it’s not over yet, I’m still hungry to retain the title next year.”

The National Hunt trainer’s title race went right down to the wire, with the result not being decided until Saturday, the final day of the season.

In the end, Somerset-based Paul Nicholls retained his crown, taking his 10th trainer’s title, thanks to places from Just A Par and Southfield Theatre in the bet365 Gold Cup. This meant he triumphed over Irish handler Willie Mullins.

National hunt fans were also treated by Sprinter Sacre, who put in a superb performance to win the Grade one bet365 Celebration Chase, 15 lengths ahead of Un De Sceaux.

To read more of Richard’s views on becoming champion jockey, don’t miss his final column of the 2015/16 season, exclusively in this week’s H&H, out Thursday 28 April.

AP McCoy to help ex-racehorses find new careers

Caroline Bankes — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 06:25:38 +0000

Sir AP McCoy has taken up his first official appointment with an equine charity, becoming a patron of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR).

The 20-time champion jockey joins fellow Channel 4 Racing presenter Clare Balding as one of two RoR patrons.

In January AP, who retired from the saddle last April, was made president of H~~orse & Hound’s~~ charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys’ Fund.

“As I said on my retirement, I rode in nearly 18,000 races and I owe a debt to all the horses I rode, as without them none of my success would have been possible,” said AP.

“So I am delighted to be in a position where I can assist in promoting the increasingly varied options available for racehorses after racing.”

Paul Roy, chairman of RoR said AP was “an inspiration to so many and a wonderful ambassador for horseracing.”

AP is joining the charity at a time when it is undergoing “a period of sustained growth.”

There are now 11,500 horses on the RoR’s database registered as active in equine disciplines outside of racing.

“With increasing levels of participation in RoR classes and activities, we are investing more and more into education and training programmes to match the demand among owners for taking on former racehorses,” said Mr Roy.

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He said the popularity of RoR classes has not “led to any complacency” about the charity’s commitment to look after vulnerable horses.

“We continue to work with and fund RoR recognised centres so they can take-in and re-home vulnerable horses and the collaborative pilot scheme introduced with World Horse Welfare in 2015 has been a success and will be extended,” added Mr Roy.

Fundraising was boosted earlier this week (4 April) when singer Jess Glynne said she will be making a donation to RoR from her performances at four Jockey Club Live race nights this summer.

Ever seen a horse in a tweed three-piece suit? You have now…

Hannah Lemieux — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 15:00:34 +0000

Tweed is popular attire among racegoers, particularly during Cheltenham Festival, which kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday 15 March). But did you ever think you would see a horse dressed in a three-piece suit?

To celebrate the start of the four-day showcase at the Gloucestershire racecourse, a bespoke Harris Tweed equine masterpiece was created — the first of its kind in the world.

Veteran racehorse Morestead models the world's first authentic Harris Tweed suit designed for a racing horse, which has been specially commissioned by William Hill to celebrate the opening of this year's Cheltenham Festival. Issue date: Monday March 14, 2016.The tweed suit was designed by former Alexander McQueen apprentice Emma Sandham-King and unveiled by 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy. Statistician Dr Geoff Ellis found that on average 200 miles and seven furlongs (321.5km) of tweed are worn every year by spectators every year at Cheltenham Festival, which is enough to stretch from Cheltenham to Ireland. The festival kicks off on Tuesday 15th March 2016. Picture caption should read: Tim Anderson / Taylor Herring (Image credit: TIM ANDERSON)

Modelled by the Brendan Powell-trained veteran Morestead, the pièce de résistance was unveiled by 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy — who was also kitted out in tweed for the occasion.

“I have many fond memories of racing at the Festival among the sea of tweed-wearing racegoers,” remarked AP. “I’ll be watching from the side-lines for the first time this year and rather than strapping on my jockey silks, I’ll be joining the punters and hopefully tipping a few winners.”

EMBARGOED TO 0001 MONDAY MARCH 14EDITORIAL USE ONLYFormer jockey A.P. McCoy unveils the worldÕs first authentic Harris Tweed suit designed for a racehorse, which has been specially commissioned by William Hill to celebrate the opening of this yearÕs Cheltenham Festival. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday March 14, 2016. The tweed suit was designed by former Alexander McQueen apprentice Emma Sandham-King and modelled by veteran racehorse Morestead. Statistician Dr. Geoff Ellis found that on average 200 miles and seven furlongs (321.5km) of tweed are worn every year by spectators every year at Cheltenham Festival, which is enough to stretch from Cheltenham to Ireland. The festival kicks off on Tuesday 15th March 2016. Picture caption should read: David Parry/PA Wire (Image credit: PA)

Bookmaker William Hill commissioned the equine outfit, which also includes a white shirt, tie and flat cap.

Former Alexander McQueen apprentice, Emma Sandham-King, was tasked with creating the custom-made suit. It took four weeks to create and comprises 18 metres of Harris Tweed — 10 times as much fabric as an equivalent human outfit.

“Creating the world’s first tweed suit for a horse has been one of the biggest challenges that I have faced in my career as a designer,” said Emma. “Some models can be real divas, but Morestead was calm and a pleasure to work with. Tweed is undergoing a massive revival and this year’s Cheltenham Festival we expect to see the most tweed worn since the 1960s.”

Continued below…

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Statistics have revealed that the most popular tweed item among male racegoers at the Festival was a tweed jacket with one in three men — that’s 31% — selecting it as their attire. Among the female racing fans, 28% of ladies opted for a tweed coat when at Prestbury Park.

So as if we didn’t already know, the stats show it’s not about the fascinators and stilettos when it comes to jump racing — it’s all about the tweed.

Sir AP McCoy named as new Injured Jockeys Fund president

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 10:19:01 +0000

Sir AP McCoy is to become the new president of H&H’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

AP, who was knighted in the New Year’s Honours list, takes over the role from former champion jockey John Francome.

John, who has been president since 2012, will become vice patron supporting the charity’s patron, the Princess Royal.

AP retired from the saddle in April 2015 aged 40, bowing out with 4,348 winners and having been champion jump jockey 20 years in a row.

“The IJF’s work is so important to racing,” said AP. “Now I have retired I am really enthusiastic about taking on the role, as well as honoured to be asked, and just hope that I can add something to the fantastic work the fund does in helping injured jockeys and their families.”

John, 63, said he had “very much enjoyed” his time as president.

“When the opportunity arose for AP to take over it seemed sensible. It is important to keep younger people involved in the decision-making and he will be much more in touch with today’s jockeys,” he said.

The IJF’s chief executive Lisa Hancock added: “We couldn’t be happier that Sir AP McCoy is to take up the role. His contribution to racing has been so significant already and the whole team is looking forward to working with him. John has done a brilliant job as president since Lord Oaksey passed away and it was his idea that AP should now take over and spearhead the fund’s next 50 years!”

Help support H&H’s charity of the year — the Injured Jockeys Fund — by donating here.

AP McCoy knighted and equestrians recognised in New Year’s Honours list

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 17:18:59 +0000

Twenty-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy said he is “proud” after being knighted in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

He becomes the only jockey alongside Sir Gordon Richards to be knighted. Sir Gordon received the honour in 1953.

AP said it was an “unbelievable privilege and honour” that he “wasn’t expecting”.

AP bowed out of racing at the 2014-15 National Hunt season finale at Sandown in April after two decades at the top of his game.

During his career he rode a total of 4,348 winners.

“We’ve been fortunate to have AP McCoy dominate jump racing for such a length of time and his knighthood is well deserved and long awaited,” said British Horseracing Authority’s Nick Rust.

The racing star was also recently presented with a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. In 2010 he became the first jockey to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Equestrians honoured

Two volunteers were honoured for their services to the Riding for the Disabled Association — Valerie Blake from the Arrow Riding Centre in Dartford, Kent and Elizabeth Gibbons from south west Cornwall were both given British Empire Medals.

Mary Thornley from Essex was also honoured services to equestrianism with a British Empire Medal. The district commissioner for the Essex and Suffolk Pony Club lives in Great Oakley. She is also a British Dressage judge.

Professor Nigel Gibbens, chief veterinary officer, DEFRA, was named CBE for services to the veterinary profession.

The Honourable Heather Galbraith of Eglinton Horse Trials was named an MBE for her services to equestrianism in Ayrshire. She has run the event since 1959.

“I was surprised and thrilled,” she told H&H. “It’s an honour. I’ve had many messages of support, I’m amazed by the amount of people who have noticed, it’s been wonderful.”

British Eventing (BE) chief executive, David Holmes, added: “It is wonderful to see Heather awarded with an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours; for her tireless dedication to eventing and equestrianism the recognition is thoroughly deserved. Without incredible organisers like Heather our sport simply would not run and we are hugely grateful for her commitment and enthusiasm to BE and Eglinton.”

Tears, medals and selfies —12 special moments from 2015 PICTURES

Horse & Hound — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 09:05:39 +0000

From seeing the toughest man in racing, AP McCoy, shed a tear after his final ride at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the British eventing team receiving their silver medals at Blair’s European Championships in September to an atmospheric morning on the hunting field and the modern world of showing stewards taking selfies — we round up some of the best moments caught on camera in 2015.

The 2015 equestrian world in pictures

Royal Ascot

Jockey Ryan Moore is mobbed after landing a record ninth winner at Royal Ascot in June, aboard Aloft. (Image credit: Racingfotos.com)

Hickstead Derby

Trevor Breen defends his Hickstead Derby title with Loughnatousa WB, himself also a former winner (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

European Eventing Championships

The Queen presents the British eventing team with their silver medals at Blair’s European Championships. It proves quite a stretch to reach William Fox-Pitt… (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Continued below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

15 riders reach the point of no return

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that

Dublin Horse Show

Behind the scenes at Dublin Horse Show as a horse is primped and prepared to perfection (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Hunting

The sun sets over the Dulverton Farmers huntsman ‘Bones’ Allibone and his hounds on Exmoor (Image credit: © Hamish Mitchell 2015)

Cheltenham Festival

The toughest man in racing sheds a tear: AP McCoy rides at the Cheltenham Festival for the final time (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Hunting

Winter scene: a North Cotswold hound takes a look over a wall on a snowy January day (Image credit: www.sarahfarnsworth.co.uk)

Royal Windsor Horse Show

A bowler selfie: stewards find time to record the moment at Royal Windsor Horse Show (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Hunting

A hound enjoys a quiet moment at a meet (Image credit: Hamish Mitchell Photography)

Royal International Horse Show

Give us a hug: Jayne Ross shows her appreciation for Time 2 Reflect, supreme champion at the Royal International Horse Show (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Royal Windsor Horse Show

A steamy moment for the King’s Troop at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, as they wow the crowds with their display (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Autumn hunting

Picture perfect: a foggy morning’s autumn hunting with the Belvoir in September (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Richard Johnson: starving before a festive feast H&H VIP

Richard Johnson — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 10:38:56 +0000

For AP McCoy to pick up the BBC lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards this weekend was great recognition for both him and the sport. It’s good for me too, as he can’t possibly return to riding now he’s received that!

It’s brilliant that AP’s years of work have been publicly recognised as an achievement by the sporting world globally. I can’t see that anyone could do any more — to be at the top of your sport for 20 years is incredible.

AP also came across very well in accepting the award and thanking the horses and the stable staff who ride them day in, day out. Without them we couldn’t do this job; horses are not something you can pick up and put down, so we’ll also be sparing a thought for all those working over Christmas looking after them.

I was pleased to see Andy Murray win the main BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was deserved.

A dead heat

I’ve been fairly quiet but it was great to have a winner with Royal Regatta at Ascot, and it was so close but so far for Reve De Sivola in the Long Walk Hurdle. Reve De Sivola ran a really good race, but was beaten by a better horse in the Colin Tizzard-trained Thistlecrack. He looks like a real superstar and Colin’s horses are flying at the moment.

The day ended well too; I finished joint first in a dead heat in the last. This is very unusual, especially in a 21-runner handicap. It was a great result and meant two sets of happy connections.

At Cheltenham the week before it was worth skipping dinner to get down to 10st for Village Vic, who won the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. Before the race I’d hoped he was still improving and in the run-in he was every jockey’s dream.

I don’t do that light a weight often and it’s quite tough. I spent some time in the sauna, which I don’t like, but it did the trick. All you can think about all week is eating, and then when you finally can you have about three mouthfuls and you’re full, so it’s not as pleasant as you’d expect.

I’m hoping I won’t have to do anything less than 10st 7lb on Boxing Day, so that I can enjoy Christmas dinner.

The highlight of Christmas for most in racing is the King George at Kempton and it looks a very exciting renewal this year. There is plenty of strength in depth in the race so I’m sure it will be a thriller. It’s a shame Coneygree has been ruled out through injury, but the Irish horses Vautour and Don Cossack have done nothing wrong. Hennessy winner Smad Place heads there, as does dual winner Silviniaco Conti.

As mentioned regarding Thistlecrack, Colin Tizzard’s horses are on fire at the moment, so Cue Card should run well. Colin’s horses have been moved to a new barn, and it seems to have made all the difference. When a yard is healthy, even the yard cat could win a race. If you’re out of form it’s as if nothing can go right.

A sad farewell

I was shocked to hear of the death of Alan Lee (news, p10) earlier this week. He was well respected by everyone in racing and cricket. Alan was a fantastic journalist; he had a way with words and was a genuinely nice person to be around. He was passionate about the sport and you could tell he loved it in his writing. I saw him at Ascot on Friday looking fit and healthy, so it was a massive shock to hear he had died the following day. He will be missed.

H&H 24 December 2015

‘Make the sacrifices, it’s worth it’: AP McCoy honoured with BBC award

Amy Mathieson — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:06:46 +0000

AP McCoy picked up the BBC’s lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards yesterday (20 December).

On receiving the award AP thanked all the horses he’s ever ridden and the stable staff for looking after them.

“To any young person watching, all I can say is make the sacrifices because it’s worth it,” said AP in his acceptance speech.

The 20-times champion National Hunt jockey was presented with the award in Belfast.

AP McCoy bowed out of racing at the 2014-15 National Hunt season finale at Sandown in April after two decades at the top of his game.

“To be receive the lifetime achievement award is a big highlight of what has been an incredible year,” said AP. “It’s a huge honour.”

In 2010 AP became the first jockey to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award — the year in which he won the Grand National on his 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It.

“A previous Sports Personality of the Year winner and widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time, AP was the biggest superstar of racing until his retirement this year,” said Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport.

“It’s an honour to celebrate his illustrious career in Belfast, Northern Ireland, his home nation, with the lifetime achievement award.”

Apprentice jockey Tom Marquand finished third in the race to become Young Sports Personality of the Year.

He was among a shortlist of 10 young athletes. The award was won by gymnast Ellie Downie.

Tom picked up the champion apprentice title after riding 54 winners in his first season.

The 17-year-old from Cheltenham was 26th in the Flat Jockeys Championship, with just five fewer wins than Frankie Dettori in 2015.

AP McCoy to pick up BBC lifetime achievement award

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 09:36:41 +0000

Twenty-times champion National Hunt jockey AP McCoy is to be honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

AP will be presented with the award in Belfast on Sunday night (20 December). The awards will be shown live on BBC One from 6.50pm-9pm.

AP McCoy bowed out of racing at the 2014-15 National Hunt season finale at Sandown in April after two decades at the top of his game.

Despite missing out on victory on his final day in the saddle, AP finished third on his last ever ride and retired on a total of 4,348 winners.

“To be receiving the lifetime achievement award is a big highlight of what has been an incredible year,” said AP. “It’s a huge honour and I’m thrilled to be accepting it so close to home in Belfast. I’m looking forward to what will be a very special night.”

In 2010 AP became the first jockey to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award — the year in which he won the Grand National on his 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It.

He secured more than 40% of the votes ahead of darts player Phil Taylor and heptathlete Jessica Ennis.

In 2013 he finished third in the SPOTY race, behind tennis star Andy Murray and rugby player Leigh Halfpenny.

“A previous Sports Personality of the Year winner and widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time, AP was the biggest superstar of racing until his retirement this year,” said Barbara Slater, director, BBC Sport.

“It’s an honour to celebrate his illustrious career in Belfast, Northern Ireland, his home nation, with the lifetime achievement award.”

AP is one of just four equestrians to have won the award — David Broome in 1960, Princess Anne in 1971 and Zara Phillips in 2006.

Charlotte Dujardin finished fourth last year, despite a huge push by the equestrian industry and an army of dressage fans.

Earlier this month fans were surprised not to see the AP on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year nominees list — and now it is clear why.

The shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award includes cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, footballer Lucy Bronze, heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, athlete Mo Farah, cyclist Chris Froome, boxer Tyson Fury, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, tennis star Andy Murray, swimmer Adam Peaty, athlete Greg Rutherford, rugby league player Kevin Sinfield and gymnast Max Whitlock.

The winner will also be announced on Sunday.

Apprentice jockey Tom Marquand is one of three finalists up for Young Sports Personality of the Year, the winner of which will also be revealed on the night.

8 brilliant books to curl up with this Christmas

Horse & Hound — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 12:30:22 +0000

1. Valegro: Champion Horse

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Author: Carl Hester

Publisher: Third Millennium Publishing

Price: £20

ISBN: 9781908990532

This beautiful book tells the story of the superstar from his first steps to his team debut, the euphoric Olympic victory and all that followed. We hear from several of those whose lives “Blueberry” has touched, from his breeders, Maartje and Joop Hanse, to “super-groom” Alan Davies, to the many judges he has wowed. The story is as gripping as Valegro’s performances, with beautiful, rarely seen photos. Above all, the reader gains a sense of the extraordinary partnership between Valegro, Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester. The photos showing Carl watching the pair at their first championships from behind a pillar, sobbing like a proud father, are one particularly moving episode.

2. Katie Jerram’s Modern Horse Management

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Authors: Katie Jerram and Carolyn Henderson

Publisher: J.A. Allen

Price: £22.50

ISBN: 9781908809278

Although written by one of the country’s leading showing riders, this easy-to-read, well-illustrated book is useful for every horse owner. It is essentially an A to Z for keeping horses, with all sorts of stable management areas covered, from feeding and clipping to grooming and rugging up, plus fitness, safe travel and lungeing — and much more besides. The text is split into manageable chunks, with Katie explaining the way she does things and why, rather than straightforward dos and don’ts. Even if you’ve owned horses for years, this is a helpful reference guide for brushing up on your equine husbandry skills.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Budget-busting horsey gifts from just £4

3. My Way: How I Train For Success

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Author: Mary King

Publisher: Acanthus Press

Price: £25

ISBN: 9780992995102

A stalwart of the British eventing team for a number of years, Badminton and Burghley winner Mary King shares the secrets behind her success in her latest training book. She opens the doors to her yard to reveal her polished management and training system, giving aspiring equestrians the ideal opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most famous and well-loved equestrian personalities. From purchasing an event horse, to preparation for all three phases, providing the best stable management routine and achieving your goals in the world of competition, Mary is generous and honest with her knowledge.

4. Henrietta Knight: Not Enough Time

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Author: Henrietta Knight

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Price: £20

ISBN: 9781784971335

Henrietta Knight’s latest book gives a glimpse into the life that she shared with her great love Terry Biddlecombe. It follows Hen and Terry from their lives before they met, their first date and through the highs and lows of their life together. From the moment she starts writing about Terry there is a noticeable warmth to Hen’s writing that contrasts with the factual way she describes her life before him. The beautifully written narrative feels truly honest and flows in a way that makes it seem as though Hen is there, telling you the story personally. It is peppered with tiny details, fond memories and hilarious anecdotes from the couple’s friends. How she took a suitcase of Best Mate’s fan mail on holiday so she could reply to well-wishers, and her description of how they would prepare the owners’ open days are just two examples of how Hen’s writing makes you feel as if you are watching the scenes unfold. Only a cold-hearted person wouldn’t shed a few tears at some point while reading this book. Best Mate’s first Cheltenham Gold Cup win in 2002, his death in 2005 and Hen’s account of caring for Terry during his illness are powerful and deeply moving.

5. The Queen’s Backyard

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Author: Anderson & Low

Publisher: Dewi Lewis Publishing

Price: £30

ISBN: 9781907893704

Our fascination with The Queen and horses is unlikely ever to waver — and this offering from photographers Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low is the perfect fix for every equestrian royalist. Anderson and Low have gone behind the scenes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show to give us an insight into the participants of the show that a general admissions ticket could never offer. The images take us from The Queen visiting the Household Cavalry at the stables, to band rehearsals, nervous Shetland jockeys pre-race to grazing horses in the car park. As The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at next year’s Royal Windsor draw closer, this compendium of images should take pride of place on any coffee table.

6. McCoy: The Complete Story

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Author: edited by Brough Scott

Publisher: Racing Post Books

Price: £20

ISBN: 9781910498187

A fantastic compilation of Racing Post articles documenting the life of the remarkable AP McCoy. Stretching from his early childhood years to his final day in the weighing room at Sandown Park in April — a momentous day no racing fan shall ever forget — the pages provide a fitting tribute to the sporting legend. Edited by Brough Scott, the substantial book brings alive not only AP’s career in the saddle but his life off the track — his family life and the daily pressures of being the 20-time champion jockey. Thanks to a combination of interesting articles and vibrant photography, readers can delve into AP’s fascinating life and mindset.

7. The Enchanted Horse

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Author: Magdalen Nabb

Publisher: Harper Collins

Price: £9.99

ISBN: 9780007580309

This is a heart-warming, magical tale of a lonely girl who finds happiness when an old toy horse in a junk shop comes to life. Irina lives a dull life helping her parents on the farm — but everything changes when she realises that her wooden horse is real. With the opening chapter aptly starting on Christmas Eve, the style of descriptive writing is utterly captivating. The story was first published in 1992. This new edition, sealed within a powder blue cover, is packed with beautiful illustrations and would make a welcome surprise at the bottom of a child’s stocking.

8. Cartoons From The Horse’s Mouth

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Authors: Spencer Hill and Vicky Oakey

Publisher: Kenilworth Press

Price: £8.99

ISBN: 9781910016053

Cartoonist Spencer Hill and Vicky Oakey, who has a masters degree in equine science, have created this light-hearted paperback, which is sure to make any equestrian giggle. With more than 100 illustrations, it offers a great insight into what horses and ponies are likely to freely discuss when their riders are not around — ranging from Pony Club and poo-picking to poll guards and yard drama. Some favourites that we sniggered at were: “Quick Bob, someone’s coming! Chatter your teeth and they will take us somewhere warm!’’, “All of our poop has been stolen again” — “why do the humans find it so fascinating?” and on the subject of plaiting: “I know it’s traditional, and I’m sure I look gorgeous, but this hairstyle makes me feel like a chump.” This book is easy to read and beautifully presented. You’re sure to recognise your own horse among the cartoons, making it a must-have for any tack room table.

Scott Brash ‘not frustrated’ by lack of BBC sports personality recognition

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:04:22 +0000

World number one showjumper Scott Brash has said he is “not frustrated” about missing out on the chance to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

“I’m not frustrated about not being nominated. I focus on my job and it’s up to people outside of the sport to take notice,” he told H&H today (Tuesday 1 December).

No equestrians or jockeys at all made the line up.

“It’s a shame Charlotte Dujardin didn’t get into the top three last year [she finished fourth],” added Scott, “As a world record holder and winner of every major dressage competition going there is nothing else she could have done, yet it still wasn’t enough for a top three at SPOTY.”

The list of nominations for the award was announced last night (Monday 30 November) — but the recently retired AP McCoy and world number one showjumper were both notable absentees.

The lack of nomination surprised H&H readers. They also lamented the absence of jockey AP McCoy.

H&H Facebook fans said that equestrian sport is not receiving the recognition it deserves.

“It’s outrageous that equestrian sports and the acheivements of the riders are so poorly recognised in this country. Scott Brash has achieved more than anyone in his sport, at his level, in the world (not just the UK). When will this ever change?” questioned Tracey Stern.

Giselle Robinson added: “What a ridiculous thing. AP and Scott have achieved so much, sports personality is a bit of a joke.”

Sophie Pentecost said it was a “crying shame”.

“AP has had a wonderful career and Scott is right at the top of his game,” she added.

Despite being in the betting ahead of the announcement, Derby-winning jockey Frankie Dettori isn’t the running for the award either.

Earlier this year H&H readers campaigned for showjumper Scott Brash to receive a nomination after a phenomenal year that included him making history by winning the Rolex Grand Slam.

The 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist includes cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, footballer Lucy Bronze, heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, athlete Mo Farah, cyclist Chris Froome, boxer Tyson Fury, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, tennis star Andy Murray, swimmer Adam Peaty, athlete Greg Rutherford, rugby league player Kevin Sinfield and gymnast Max Whitlock.

The overall winner will be announced live at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015 awards on 20 December following a public vote.

The award ceremony will be held in Belfast for the first time this year.

In 2010 AP McCoy became the first jockey to win the award — the year in which he won the Grand National on his 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It.

In 2013 he finished third in the SPOTY race.

AP is one of just four equestrians to have won the award — David Broome in 1960, Princess Anne in 1971 and Zara Phillips in 2006.

Charlotte Dujardin finished fourth last year, despite a huge push by the equestrian industry and an army of dressage fans.

AP McCoy and Scott Brash miss out on BBC sports personality nominations

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 09:50:04 +0000

Racing and equestrian fans are surprised after National Hunt jockey AP McCoy and showjumper Scott Brash were not shortlisted for the BBC sports personality of the year award.

The list of nominations for the award was announced tonight (Monday 30 November) — but the recently retired jockey and world number one showjumper were both notable absentees.

Despite being in the betting ahead of the announcement neither AP McCoy nor Frankie Dettori are in the running for the award.

Earlier this year H&H readers campaigned for showjumper Scott Brash to receive a nomination, but he isn’t featured either.

Many fans on Twitter said that equestrian sport is not receiving the recognition it deserves.

“Disappointed that Scott Brash wasn’t nominated. What he’s achieved in showjumping this year is incredible,” said Ellen Gibson.

Lesley Murray tweeted: “No equestrians on the short list for #SPOTY so what Scott Brash and Charlotte Dujardin have done means nothing?? #Disgusting”

Quentin Smith said: “No @AP_McCoy on #SPOTY shortlist? Seriously? With an achievement that will never be bettered? How good do you have to be to merit inclusion?”

The shortlist includes cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, footballer Lucy Bronze, heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, athlete Mo Farah, cyclist Chris Froome, boxer Tyson Fury, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, tennis star Andy Murray, swimmer Adam Peaty, athlete Greg Rutherford, rugby league player Kevin Sinfield and gymnast Max Whitlock.

The overall winner will be announced live at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015 awards on 20 December following a public vote.

AP McCoy bowed out of racing at the 2014-15 National Hunt season finale at Sandown in April after two decades at the top of his game.

Despite missing out on victory on his final day in the saddle, AP finished third on his last ever ride and retired on a total of 4,348 winners.

The award ceremony will be held in Belfast for the first time this year.

In 2010 AP McCoy became the first jockey to win the award — the year in which he won the Grand National on his 15th attempt aboard Don’t Push It.

He secured more than 40% of the votes ahead of darts player Phil Taylor and heptathlete Jessica Ennis.

In 2013 he finished third in the SPOTY race, behind tennis star Andy Murray and rugby player Leigh Halfpenny.

AP is one of just four equestrians to have won the award — David Broome in 1960, Princess Anne in 1971 and Zara Phillips in 2006.

Charlotte Dujardin finished fourth last year, despite a huge push by the equestrian industry and an army of dressage fans.

The 2014 award was won by Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, with golfer Rory McIlroy in second and athlete Jo Pavey was third.

Charlotte gained 75,814 votes from the public, 12.2% of the total placed.

To register to vote click here

AP McCoy escapes three-car motorway pile up

Horse & Hound — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 17:30:34 +0000

Twenty-time champion jockey AP McCoy has said he has walked away unscathed from a car crash this afternoon (Wednesday, 18 November).

AP was reportedly involved in a three-car pile up on the M4 between Hungerford and Swindon.

The accident happened between junctions 14 and 15 on the motorway.

“I’m fine and so is the other person in the car,” AP told the Racing Post.

“A van and a car collided in front of us and I ended up with nowhere to go as a result.

“Fortunately nobody was injured but all the vehicles were badly damaged.”

AP retired from race-riding earlier this year. He rode his last race at Sandown Park on Saturday 25 April.

He had two rides on his final afternoon in front of a sell-out crowd of 18,000 at the Esher racecourse.

His last ever ride came on the Jonjo O’Neill runner Box Office in the Bet365 Handicap Hurdle, when he finished third.

Both horses were owned by his loyal supporter JP McManus, in whose familiar silks AP won the Grand National in 2010.

He retired on a career total of 4,348 winners and he bows out having been crowned champion jockey for the 20th year in succession.

Last week he tried his hand at dressage, taking part in a demo at Cheltenham racecourse with Charlotte Dujardin.

He was aboard Hartpury Festival of Dressage Premier League grand prix winner Barolo.

AP and Charlotte performed flying changes, piaffe, passage and extended trot for the Cheltenham crowd.

“It’s a different way of riding to everything I was taught. Everything you do as a jockey you wouldn’t do as a dressage rider, but it was a good experience,” he said.

AP then made his debut on Channel 4 Racing on Saturday (14 November), taking a presenting role, where he received positive reviews from H&H readers.

AP McCoy turns his hand to dressage at Cheltenham

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 13:45:13 +0000

AP McCoy was back in the paddock at Cheltenham racecourse today (Friday, 13 November) — but this time aboard Hartpury Festival of Dressage Premier League grand prix winner Barolo.

The 20-time champion jockey, who retired earlier this year, was under the tutelage of Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin, who parterned Barolo to victory at the competition in July.

AP and Charlotte performed flying changes, piaffe, passage and extended trot for the Cheltenham crowd.

AP McCoy on Barolo (rt) tries Dressage with Charlotte Dujardin (left) on Pro-Set At Cheltenham in the paddock 13-11-15 (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

“AP was amazing. Obviously, dressage is completely different to race-riding and he coped really well,” said Charlotte.

AP added: “I think that’s a bit flattering! It’s a different way of riding to everything I was taught. Everything you do as a jockey you wouldn’t do as a dressage rider, but it was a good experience and I’m very lucky to have someone like Charlotte to show me what to do.

“But I think it’s time to retire from that as well!”

AP was on the nine-year-old owned by Anna Kohn and Carl Hester, while Charlotte rode Pro-Set, owned by Carl Hester and Karen Shepherd.

Pro-Set, a licensed stallion by Jet Set D x Flemmingh, finished second to Barolo in the Hartpury competition.

“It was Yogi’s [Breisner] idea that it might be nice to get AP to have a sit on a dressage horse and see what he can do,” Carl Hester told H&H.

“The first thing he needs to do is learn to slow down and shift his weight in a different way.”

Yogi Breisner, the British eventing team’s chef d’equipe added on watching him today: “I don’t think AP has cantered this slowly in his life before.”

Countryside Day at The Open is in aid of the Countryside Alliance and the British Olympic Team.

Earlier in the day The Princess Royal officially opened the new £45m grandstand that bears her name.

Popular racecourse to host screening of AP McCoy film

Lucy Elder — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 15:00:08 +0000

A feature length film about 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy is set to be released on 23 November.

“Being AP” follows the jockey though his final season, from racing at Cheltenham and Aintree, to struggling with injury and the build up to his retirement.

The film also features a mix of archive footage and behind-the-scenes access to the team around AP, including his wife Chanelle, trainers, fellow jockeys and owner JP McManus.

Cheltenham racecourse is hosting a screening of the film on its release date, followed by a live stream question and answer session with Clare Balding.

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Canada, on 14 September and the latest trailer was uploaded to YouTube on 17 October.

“It is like being an addict,” AP says in the voiceover for the trailer. “I am an addict to riding horses and I am an addict about winning.

“The more you win, the more you want to win, the more the need becomes greed.”

Produced by Alan Maher, Nick Ryle and John Woollcombe, the film was made by a number of prouction companies, including BBC Films and the Irish Film Board.

“Every part of my life was structured and controlled, but I could never control getting old,” said AP.

On 25 April this year, AP rode his last race at Sandown Park. He had two rides on his final afternoon in front of a sell-out crowd of 18,000.

His last ever ride was on Box Office — owned by JP McManus and trained by Jonjo O’Neill — in the Bet365 Handicap, where he finished third.

“I always dreamed of getting out while I was still performing well. I’m going to miss what I do… What I did,” he said at his retirement.

During his career as a jump jockey, AP rode a total of 4,348 winners and was crowned champion jockey for 20 years in succession.

Click here for more information and tickets to Cheltenham racecourse’s event.

AP McCoy to join Channel 4 Racing team

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 11:49:23 +0000

Racing fans are in for treat this season as 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy is to join the Channel 4 Racing team.

AP’s first broadcast will be on Saturday 14 November, at The Open at Cheltenham.

“I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have enjoyed a fantastic career as a jump jockey,” said AP.

“I’m looking forward to working with Channel 4 over the next year and delighted to be back at some of the main festivals with a top presenting team.”

The former jockey will also be working on several other major days throughout the season including the Hennessy Gold Cup, the King George, Cheltenham’s January Trials meeting, two days from the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.

It will not only be jump racing, as AP will also be working on the Derby, the Ebor and British Champions Day.

AP joins a line-up of presenters that includes Clare Balding, Nick Luck, Mick Fitzgerald, Emma Spencer, Alice Plunkett, Rishi Persad, Jim McGrath, Graham Cunningham, Simon Holt and Tanya Stevenson.

Clare said: “I love the sport, the horses and the people in racing; and I feel particularly privileged to get the chance to work with AP McCoy. To hear his unique insight and opinion will be fascinating for all of us.”

After dominating the sport for two decades, AP McCoy rode his last race at Sandown Park on Saturday 25 April.

He retired on a career total of 4,357 winners and bowed out having been crowned champion jockey for the 20th year in succession.

AP won nearly every major race including two Cheltenham Gold Cups, three Champion Hurdles and the Grand National.

In 2010 he was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head of TV Events, said: “AP is the most celebrated jockey in the world and is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. His unrivalled knowledge of the sport will be an absolutely massive asset to our coverage and viewers will benefit from the insights of the most famous name in the sport.

“Together with our existing team AP will help take Channel 4’s racing coverage to new levels. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to Channel 4.”

AP McCoy to try his hand at dressage

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 11:55:55 +0000

AP McCoy will be back in the paddock at Cheltenham next month, but this time it will be aboard a dressage horse.

The 20-time champion jockey, who retired earlier this year, will be under the tutelage of Olympic gold medallists Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin.

The jockey will be put through his paces on Countryside Day (13 November) at the Open meeting at the Gloucestershire course.

“It was Yogi’s [Breisner] idea that it might be nice to get AP to have a sit on a dressage horse and see what he can do,” Carl told H&H.

“So we’re taking a grand prix dressage horse to the racetrack and will be riding round the paddock.

“I’ll talk Charlotte through a demo first — explaining to the crowd as runs through some movements, including piaffe and passage to get a feel for it. We’ll explain what we’re asking the horses to do.”

Then Charlotte will swap with AP and she’ll put him through his paces.

“The first thing he’ll need to do is learn to slow down and shift his weight in a different way,” said Carl.

“It will be interesting to see how he gets on as he’s such a talented rider. It will be fun and I’m pretty sure he’ll be one of those incredibly irritating people that takes to it straight way, and if he doesn’t I’m sure he’ll be booking some lessons!”

Carl added that they will be taking a “forgiving” grand prix horse, but haven’t decided which one will carry the most famous jockey in the world yet.

“It won’t be Valegro,” he added.

AP is not so sure about his skills though.

“Dressage takes a lot of patience and I’m not overly patient,” he said. “I like things to happen quickly. I don’t think I have the talent, patience or skills for this. I just hope I will not embarrass myself too much. I can’t dance myself so I’m not rating my chances of making a horse dance.”

The day is in aid of the Countryside Alliance and the British Olympic Team. There will be other demos and hunt parades, which will be confirmed nearer the time.

AP McCoy makes a winning return to the saddle

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:03:25 +0000

The 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy made a triumphant return to the saddle when winning the Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster racecourse today (9 September).

He partnered the Brendan Powell-trained four-year-old Gannicus to a comfortable win, having started 7-2 favourites in the 16-runner field.

The annual charity race, held during the St Leger meeting, is for ex-professional jockeys and was last year won by Dale Gibson. AP’s rivals included Luke Harvey, Michael Hills, Jim Culloty and Johnny Murtagh.

AP was persuaded earlier this year to take on the challenge by Jack Berry from the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) to help raise funds for the charity.

“I am doing this once, and once only, for Jack Berry — who bullied me into it — to say thank you for all his great work. I said I would do it for him,” said AP following his win. “I don’t think there will be anymore rides, unless JP [McManus] asks me, I would never say no to him!

“The IJF is such a great cause — it was a very enjoyable day and nice to win,” he added.

Asked what instructions he undertook from trainer Brendan, AP quipped: “I’ve ridden enough winners for Brendan to know not to listen to him.

“I wanted to keep it simple and he travelled well. I hoped if I kept him in a good enough position, he’d keep going.”

AP retired in April at the end of the 2014-15 National Hunt season, in front of a packed crowd at Sandown. He finished on a career tally of 4,348 jumps winners.

His final ride was aboard the Jonjo O’Neill runner Box Office, owned by JP McManus, in the Bet365 Handicap Hurdle, where he finished third.

Since his retirement AP has been spotted spectating at Punchestown racecourse in Ireland, which he described as “very weird”.

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‘He’s a legend’: 21-year-old grand prix horse makes winning return to London Horse Show (and AP McCoy manages not to fall off)

Jockeys jump on the train from Ascot to the London ExCeL in their riding kit

AP McCoy on jumping at the London International: “I have fallen off more than anyone on the planet”

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‘The best ride I’ve ever given a horse’: AP McCoy on his most unforgettable moment in the saddle

“I think that day was the best feeling I had in horseracing. Maybe because I’d won the Grand National a couple of years before, and it was 15 years since I’d last won the Gold Cup, but it was the one time I thought, ‘Yes’.

“He was the sort who never looked like he was going to win, unless you knew him, and to this day, it was probably the best ride I’ve ever given a horse. That was definitely the one – the ride of my life.”

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#Throwback to when… AP McCoy jumped Olympic gold-medallist Big Star

“I thought it was a brilliant suggestion from Clare and, although AP didn’t seem too keen on the idea on the night, I suspected he wouldn’t be able to resist the opportunity to do it on a really top class horse — which is why Big Star immediately sprung to mind,” said Jennifer.

Nick needed very little persuading to let AP ‘have a go’ on his multi-million pound horse — Nick has a huge amount of respect for AP as a horseman and Big Star’s owners were happy to go along with it, too, and for that we are very grateful.

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‘I’ve seen what Dad’s been through’: why Eve McCoy is aiming for success in a different sport to her famous father

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‘Dad wants to keep me away from racing!’ AP McCoy’s daughter scores first Hickstead win

The daughter of the legendary National Hunt jockey was one of nine to jump clear in the first round, and four who repeated the feat in the jump-off. She and Cocktail D’Azur finished in 39.95seconds, just over a second ahead of Christopher O’Bryan and Cirrus.

“The first round he was really good – a little bit strong – I don’t think he’s ever jumped in that ring before, but he wasn’t spooky at all,” said Eve. “In the jump-off as we came round to the double I was a little bit deep, but he got me out of trouble.”

And she said she is sticking to showjumping rather than racing, much to the relief of her father.

“He prefers me to go into showjumping – he wants to keep me as far away from the racehorses as possible!” she said.

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Boys v girls, ‘a little dinger of a pony’ and a great cause – jockeys showjump in London

“She’s done so much for women jockeys and females in sport, it just shows all the little girls here what can be done – if you dream big, you can get there,” she said.

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Grand National-winning jockeys to do showjumping battle – alongside camel racing

Sam said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Lambourn Open Day on Friday to take part in the showjumping competition. It’s always a great day out, which raises a huge amount for local charities.”

Lambourn Open Day chairman Mark Smyly said excitement around Lambourn is high, adding: “The last two Good Fridays in Lambourn have been very quiet. It’s fantastic that we can welcome everyone back for what should be a brilliant day.

“We are thrilled to have Grand National hero Sam Waley-Cohen competing against some of the best past and present National Hunt jockeys in the showjumping, the parade of equine heroes will be very special, and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top in the camel racing.”

Tickets are £15 for the day, £10 for the afternoon and free for under-12s. All money raised goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works for the welfare of stable staff, the air ambulance and local organisations.

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Stars and unsung heroes honoured at Jockey Club awards

Harry Skelton was named leading professional jockey with 152 winners. Jack Tudor was crowned leading conditional jockey and Harriet Tucker leading amateur.

Harry said it was “very special” to have his name on the trophy.

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Legends of the sport: 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy *H&H Plus*

His first win

A new challenge

Hanging up his boots

‘My favourite horse’

10 brave jockeys, two meddling showjumpers and AP McCoy’s unscheduled dismount — race night at Olympia had it all

Dressage for AP McCoy while Big Star and Valegro join parade of heroes at Cheltenham

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AP McCoy speeds to victory with a different sort of horsepower in blistering Bolesworth ride and drive

AP McCoy to showjump and race camels this Easter

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12 racing stars who went home a winner at the 2018 McCoys awards

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AP McCoy leads legendary jump jockeys to Olympia glory

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AP McCoy goes showjumping: check out photos of his training ahead of Olympia

5 reasons why Wiltshire is heaven for horse lovers (and it’s not just because Andrew Nicholson lives there)

The tack shop

The equestrian centre

The picnic spot

The adrenalin fix

Continued below…

The pub

Watch tiny rescue pony prepare for Burghley Horse Trials debut #BurghleyPony

The pony: World Horse Welfare Pamela

The rider: AP McCoy

Dressage: Carl Hester

Cross-country: Mark Todd

Showjumping: Tim Stockdale

Fitness and mental preparation: Yogi Breisner

Are you heading to Burghley this weekend (31 August-3 September)? Make sure you visit the “celebrity talk area” where you can meet Pamela

Don’t miss our exclusive form guide to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in tomorrow’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (31 August 2017), and our full report in the 7 September 2017 issue

AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori to go head-to-head at Olympia

Watch AP McCoy put a promising racehorse through his paces

Don’t miss all the latest news and reports in Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

‘It will give the birds somewhere to sit’: AP McCoy statue to be unveiled at Cheltenham

Flat jockeys beat their jumping rivals at Olympia

Legends of the sport: 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy H&H Plus