The lifetime achievement award which is due to be presented to the legendary Co Antrim jockey AP McCoy at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event this weekend is richly deserved.
He dominated National Hunt racing for the last 20 years, a period when he not only broke every record in the book but also invariably conducted himself with dignity and good humour at all times.
It is unfortunate that preparations for the glittering ceremony at the SSE Arena in Belfast have been overshadowed by the row over crass comments made by world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, who has been short-listed over the overall trophy.
However, there will be no dispute over the accolade for Tony McCoy who is likely to receive the most ringing ovation of all the participants on Sunday evening.
