Anthony McCoy: From Jockey to President of the Injured Jockeys Fund

The Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown on April 15, 2015, marked the end of Sir Anthony McCoy's illustrious career as a National Hunt jockey—a career that included 20 championship titles and three Guinness World Records. Following this race, McCoy bid farewell to competitive riding but remained active in the sport in a new capacity as the president of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF). 

Reflecting on his career in an interview with “The Guardian,” McCoy remarked, “I have witnessed many accidents on the track, with my colleagues suffering severe or even fatal injuries. I thank God that I retired from my career unscathed. We will always remember those we have lost over the years, and those of us who are injured can always rely on our support.” Having endured 13 injuries himself—including multiple broken bones and a punctured lung—McCoy understands the plight of his fellow jockeys and views his role at the IJF as a personal responsibility.

The Career of Sir Anthony Peter McCoy

Born on April 4, 1974, Sir Anthony Peter McCoy is one of the most celebrated jockeys in British history. He embarked on his racing journey at just 17, clinching his first victory in a flat race at Thurles in Ireland on March 26, 1992. Standing at 178 cm, McCoy's height led him to pursue jump racing instead. Although a jockey of his stature would typically weigh at least 75 kg, McCoy maintained a competitive weight of 63.5 kg throughout his career.

McCoy made his British racing debut in 1994 and achieved the title of champion jockey in National Hunt racing during the 1995-96 season. This prestigious title, awarded annually to the jockey with the most wins in steeplechase racing, he held for an unprecedented 20 consecutive years until the 2014-15 season. His remarkable record of 18 championship titles, achieved during the 2012-13 season, earned him a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

In the 2001-02 season, he set a remarkable record by securing 289 victories, with his overall tally eventually reaching 4,022 winning races by the end of 2013, earning him another Guinness World Record. McCoy achieved a long-awaited victory in the Grand National in 2010 on the horse Don't Push It, and that same year he was honoured as the BBC's “Sporting Personality of the Year.” 

Having won every notable National Hunt race, McCoy boasts an astonishing 4,358 total victories. His extraordinary contributions to the sport were recognised when he was knighted by Royal Warrant in December 2015.

In his first week after retirement, McCoy visited injured colleagues Robbie McNamara and JT McNamara in the hospital, demonstrating his commitment to supporting fellow jockeys as the president of the IJF.

History of the Injured Jockeys Fund

Horse racing is inherently risky, despite the expertise of jockeys, the training of horses, and safety measures at racetracks. Injuries can and do occur, and tragically, some jockeys have lost their lives. For instance, a decade before Tony McCoy assumed leadership of the Fund, 20-year-old jockey Tony Halliday died at Market Rasen, and in 1996, Richard Davis, a 26-year-old jockey, suffered a fatal accident at Southwell racecourse. A report from the time of Davis's passing indicated that six jockeys had died in accidents on British tracks over the past 15 years.

Recognising the inherent danger to jockeys, the need for an organisation that offers support during challenging times became evident. In 1963, champion jockey Tim Brookshaw, who had held the title in the 1958-59 season, sustained severe injuries at Aintree Racecourse, leaving him partially paralysed. The following year, during the Aintree Grand National, jockey Paddy Farrell was thrown from his horse, resulting in a broken back and a lifetime confined to a wheelchair. These incidents drew significant public concern.

In response, John Oaksey, the 4th Baron Trevethin and 2nd Baron Oaksey, a noted British aristocrat, journalist, television commentator, and amateur jockey, established the Farrell-Brookshaw Fund to provide assistance to injured riders. Over time, this fund evolved into what is now known as the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Since its formation, the Fund has supported thousands of injured jockeys and their families, distributing over £22 million in grants and spending around £77 million on charitable initiatives. Volunteers from the Foundation actively assist all jockeys, including those who are elderly and living with disabilities. In 2023 alone, nearly 900 individuals received support.

The Foundation operates its own rehabilitation centres, with the first one, Oaksey House, inaugurated in Lambourn in 2009 to honour the founder's extensive efforts in establishing and financing the Fund. Subsequently, Jack Berry House was opened in 2015 in Malton, followed by Peter O'Sullevan House in Newmarket in 2019, and the Taunton South West Hub in 2023. In that same year, the centres accommodated over 20,000 appointments, providing rehabilitation for physical injuries and neurological issues related to the profession, as well as access to psychologists, physiotherapists, trainers, and other specialists. Under the stewardship of Anthony McCoy, the Trust is supported by Vice-Presidents Jack Berry and Brough Scott, both former jockeys and early advocates for the Trust, along with various Vice-Patrons including the renowned jockey Frankie Dettori, who joined as Vice-Patron in 2018.

IJF Events and Funding

The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) relies on donations from generous supporters, with one-third of its funding coming from bequests. Additional income is generated through the IJF online store, where items such as calendars, cards, books, and accessories are sold.

The IJF Support Club operates in conjunction with the Fund, and each year, fans organize visits to various British stables, factories, and racing events.

To support its activities, the Fund's Board organises a variety of fundraising events. These include golf days, such as the Golf Gays event, where participants can play alongside prominent figures like Sir Anthony McCoy or the fund’s vice-patron, John Frank.

Events such as evenings, quizzes, sports festivals, races, and charity auctions are all utilised to generate funds for the IJF. 

Sir Anthony McCoy frequently participates in IJF-organised competitions, drawing fans, spectators, and investors with his presence. One highlight is the annual Markel Jockey Jumping, a steeplechase race featuring male and female jockeys.

A passionate sportsman and supporter of Arsenal, McCoy captained the Jockeys' Football Team in a charity match against the Cheltenham Town Football Club legends in 2017. This event took place after the Cheltenham race day, with proceeds benefiting the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The Equestrian Relief initiative, launched by the organisers of the Bolesworth Horse Show, also saw contributions from IJF representatives Sir Tony McCoy and Frankie Dettori, who helped raise £250,000 for the charity.

While assistance for jockeys facing challenging situations continues, so too does the Fund's fundraising efforts. Although Sir Anthony McCoy has announced his retirement for a well-deserved break, it appears that his dedication to the cause remains unwavering. Let us wish him well in this ongoing endeavour.