Legendary Lambourn jockey Tony McCoy awarded knighthood

LEGENDARY Lambourn jockey Tony McCoy will become a Sir after being awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List.

McCoy, already an MBE, has been handed the ultimate accolade for services to horse racing.

The 41-year-old retired in April after a glittering career which saw him ride 4,358 winners.

Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News this morning (Thurs), the 20-time champion jump jockey said: “I’m still finding it hard to believe. It’s a huge honour and something I am very proud of.

“It’s something I never expected, it was a bit of a shock when I got told a few weeks ago. It wasn’t an easy secret to keep.

“It’s the icing on the cake.”

There were other local people recognised in the honours list. Christopher Mark Fenwick, from Pangbourne, was made an MBE for political service.

Dr Ian Webber Evett, consultant forensic scientist from Tadley, was appointed a CBE.

For more details and reaction, see next week’s Newbury Weekly News.