National champion proves he's the real McCoy with viewers

The 36-year-old bookmakers' favourite finally won the Grand

National this year.

Holding the famous Personality of the Year trophy, he said: "This is an unbelievable feeling to be standing in front of so many amazing sports people."

The runner-up was darts player Phil Taylor, and heptathlete Jessica Ennis, from Sheffield, claimed third place.

McCoy, 36, who is from The 36-year-old from County Antrim in Northern Ireland has been the champion jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award.

He has sustained numerous injuries during his career, but won the Grand National at Aintree for the first time in 2010 on Don't Push It.

He became champion jockey for the first time in the 1995-96 season and beat Sir Gordon Richards's all-time record of 269 winners in a season in 2002.

McCoy has won almost every big race in the National Hunt calendar, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and King George VI Chase.

He said: "When I started off as a jockey I wanted to be champion jockey in my mind, and I have been lucky enough to be champion jockey for 15 years.

"But the Grand National is the biggest horse race in the world and everyone knows I had won all the other races and to finally achieve that. It was just an unbelievable day."

Footballer David Beckham received the Lifetime Achievement award, which was presented to him by Manchester United legends Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs.

"I dedicate my award to the men and the women who are serving our country in Afghanistan," said a visibly emotional Beckham after receiving a lengthy standing ovation from the crowd at the LG Arena in Birmingham.

"I am very humbled."The awards are voted for by the public.