Jockey Club Congratulates Tony Mccoy

Published: 2 April 2002

Christopher Spence, the Senior Steward, said today:

“On behalf of the Jockey Club, I would like to congratulate Tony McCoy on his 270th winner, which takes him past Sir Gordon Richards’ 1947 total for the record number of winners ridden in one season.

“Sir Gordon’s record had stood for over fifty years and was a remarkable achievement. Indeed, the Herculean efforts required of Tony McCoy to overhaul it have undoubtedly helped today’s racegoing public appreciate all the more the talents of both men, as well as enabling us to witness history being made.

“Racing needs it heroes, both equine and human, and in Tony McCoy, racing can lay claim to having one of the modern era’s truly great sporting achievers.”

Malcolm Wallace, Director of Regulation, added:

“I’m delighted for Tony McCoy. His passing of Sir Gordon Richards’ record is a testament to his will to win and to his dedication to improving his own incredibly high standards.

“About four years ago, it seemed to some as though Tony McCoy was irreversibly at odds with the Jockey Club over our guidelines for use of the whip. However, in recent seasons it has been noticeable how much and how successfully he has adapted his riding style and clearly it has not been at the expense of riding winners.

“In fact, until his two day suspension on Easter Monday, Tony McCoy’s one and only ‘brush’ with authority this season was a caution from the Market Rasen stewards for careless riding! Considering the number of rides he has taken, the number of close finishes he has been involved in and not forgetting the pressure he is under, that in itself is a fantastic achievement.

“He deserves immense credit for not only breaking records but also for taking the standards of race riding to new heights.”

2nd April 2002