This year marks the 157th running of the Queen’s Plate, one of Toronto’s oldest sporting traditions, and Canada’s most famous horse races. To kick off the festivities, racing fans are invited to attend an exclusive screening of Being AP, a documentary that profiles the 2015 final season of jockey Sir Anthony Peter (AP) McCoy.
McCoy is a Northern Irish former jockey, based in Ireland and the UK. The 54-year-old rode a record 4,358 winners, starting with his first win at 17 years old. He claimed the Champion Jockey title 20 consecutive times – an unparalleled accomplishment. McCoy was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire and is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He was knighted in January of this year.
The film, Being AP, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival to unanimous praise, offers a raw and unflinching look at the daily life of a man who has reigned over the sport every year he’s been in the saddle and McCoy’s agonizing decision to retire after two decades at the top of the game.
This documentary is so much more than a film about a jockey; it’s about closing a chapter that has defined your entire life.
Enjoy the show at Early Mercy in the heart of Toronto’s Fashion District, and stick around for an after party with music, cocktails and great food, along with contests and prizes.
Proceeds from the event will go to the non-profit Horses Help Canada, who partner autistic, other special needs and at-risk youth with horses so that they can work through issues such as self-confidence, anxiety and fear, as well as the Jockeys Benefit Association of Canada, another non-profit association representing jockeys in Canada. One of their roles is to provide support and counselling for injured and disabled jockeys.
The evening begins at 6:30 on Wednesday June 29th, at Early Mercy, at 540 King Street West, in Toronto, Ontario. Get 10% off your tickets using this link.
