JOCKEY Tony McCoy has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year at a ceremony held in Birmingham tonight.

The Northern Irish sportsman - widely regarded as the best jumps jockey in the country - took the title after winning the Grand National this year on his 15th attempt with horse Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by J P McManus.

Athlete Jessica Ennis took third place while darts player Phil “The Power” Taylor came runner up.

Meanwhile footballer David Beckham won the lifetime achievement award.