Racing honours top jockeys

Tony McCoy won a record seventh successive Jump Jockey of the Year award at the Lesters ceremony in London on Sunday night (13 April).

A record 850 people from all walks of racing attended the awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Hyde Park, where the jockeys vote for their own top achiever in each category.

Thunderous applause greeted Lester Piggott himself when he stepped up to present 51-year-old Pat Eddery with a Special Recognition Award for his long service in the saddle.

Michael Caulfield, national secretary of the Jockeys’ Association, said: “At that magic moment there was the best part of 10,000 winners between them on the stage.”

Champion Kieren Fallon accepted his fifth Flat Jockey of the Year award.

Apprentice of the Year was Paul Hanagan, Lady Jockey of the Year Joanna Badger and Conditional Jockey of the Year Marcus Foley.

Recently retired jump jockey Brian Storey received a Special Recognition Award, while Darryll Holland’s flashing late run on Just James at Newmarket in May was voted Flat Ride of the Year.

Rodi Greene’s win on Jurancon II at Uttoxeter before Christmas earned him Jump Ride of the Year.

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