Move over eventers — the jockeys are winning on your home turf.
A team of four National Hunt stars were victorious at Barbury International Horse Trials on Saturday (5 July) in the Champions Challenge.
Former champion jockey John Francome spearheaded the team, which was completed by Sam Twiston-Davies, Richard Johnson and Noel Fehily — who was standing in for an injured AP McCoy.
The jockeys triumphed over the three other teams — eventers, showjumpers and the VWH Hunt team, who qualified for the competition by winning the inter-hunt relay.
“The hunt gave us a real run for our money, the boys certainly need to watch out for their day jobs, but where were the eventers? Did they show up? We barely broke a sweat against them!” said John Francome.
“It was a real buzz to ride in front of such a great crowd here at Barbury and all in aid of the fantastic work of the Injured Jockeys Fund,” added John.
The runners up were the hunt team of Tintin Belsham, Ella McEwen and Scarlett Crew.
Finishing in third place were the eventers team consisting of Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt, H&H columnist Sir Mark Todd and Laura Collett.
The showjumping team of Angie Thompson, Michael Duffy, Tim Wilks and Rowan Willis were fourth.
Read our full report from Barbury in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 July.
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