Being AP airs on RTÉ One at 10.45pm.
AP McCoy might be one of the greatest figures in Irish sporting history, having won over 4,300 races, while also being crowned Champion jockey 20 years in a row before retiring in 2015.
The Antrim jockey’s extraordinary career was always going to make for a good documentary. So it was welcome news when in 2015, Anthony Wonke directed Being AP, which had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Following McCoy during his final year of racing, Being AP looks at how he faced pressure to retire due to the increased risk of serious injury, while also seeking to defend his 19th Champion title.
The movie was met with universally positive reviews upon release back in 2015:
“It’s cinematic, almost lyrical; steam rising off the horses on their early-morning workouts at the Irish-run stables. The elusive, gruff trainers and owners, the professional, unsentimentalised communication between man and beast.” – Screen International
“I don’t know anything about horse racing… I did, nonetheless, enjoy every minute of Being AP, mostly because of the dry, dour wit of the film’s subject and the good-natured eye-rolls provided by his wife, Chanelle.” – The Irish Times
“As a portrait of what motivates a sportsman at the top of his game, and how difficult it is to let go, this is insightful stuff.” – The Guardian
The acclaimed documentary will be airing on RTÉ One tonight at 10.45pm.
Check out the trailer for Being AP below, or if that doesn’t suit here are five other movies that you should watch on TV today.
Clip via TIFF Trailers
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