Sir AP McCoy is to become the new president of H&H’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).
AP, who was knighted in the New Year’s Honours list, takes over the role from former champion jockey John Francome.
John, who has been president since 2012, will become vice patron supporting the charity’s patron, the Princess Royal.
AP retired from the saddle in April 2015 aged 40, bowing out with 4,348 winners and having been champion jump jockey 20 years in a row.
“The IJF’s work is so important to racing,” said AP. “Now I have retired I am really enthusiastic about taking on the role, as well as honoured to be asked, and just hope that I can add something to the fantastic work the fund does in helping injured jockeys and their families.”
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John, 63, said he had “very much enjoyed” his time as president.
“When the opportunity arose for AP to take over it seemed sensible. It is important to keep younger people involved in the decision-making and he will be much more in touch with today’s jockeys,” he said.
The IJF’s chief executive Lisa Hancock added: “We couldn’t be happier that Sir AP McCoy is to take up the role. His contribution to racing has been so significant already and the whole team is looking forward to working with him. John has done a brilliant job as president since Lord Oaksey passed away and it was his idea that AP should now take over and spearhead the fund’s next 50 years!”
Help support H&H’s charity of the year — the Injured Jockeys Fund — by donating here.
