McCoy is backing Skelton for award
SIR Anthony McCoy, a former iron man of the saddle, salutes another in Nick Skelton.
McCoy is backing 50-1 shot Nick Skelton for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, after the veteran Olympian claimed gold at the Rio Games.
“Nick is as good a show jumper as there’s ever been,” said McCoy on his blog for William Hill. “To go to seven Olympic Games and winning gold with possibly his last chance is an incredible feat.
“If I could pick one person, I would love to see him 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.” But the 20-times former champion believes Skelton, who broke his neck 16 years ago, will face stiff opposition from Andy Murray.
“Andy is favourite and if he hadn’t already won it twice, I’d say he was a good thing.
“Maybe he deserves to win it again after winning Wimbledon and Olympic gold in the same year.”
Stratford racecourse honour Skelton, 58, tonight with the Congratulations On Gold Nick Skelton Hurdle race.
His son Dan, a local trainer, runs Alyasan in the contest and his other son Harry takes the ride.