AP McCoy and Zara Phillips go head-to-head at Barbury

AP McCoy and Zara Phillips will be pitting their wits against each other — and a special course of obstacles — at Barbury International Horse Trials next month (3-6 July).

The champion jump jockey and former eventing world champion will be taking part in the JCB Champions Challenge — an all-star celebrity race on Saturday afternoon (5 July).

Four teams — eventers, jockeys, showjumpers, plus the winning team from the inter-hunt scurry — will battle it out over a jumping track which will include the water obstacle in the main arena.

Joining Zara on the eventers’ team will be William Fox-Pitt, Sir Mark Todd and Laura Collett. AP’s team-mates are 7-times champion jockey John Francome and young star Sam Twiston-Davies.

John Francome, who is president of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF), Barbury’s official charity this year, said: “Visitors to Barbury are going to be treated to some serious competitive riding. I am now in intense training and using the Oaksey House [the IJF’s rehabilitation centre] gym every day. I’ve also gone into the loft and found my original racing breeches, which are now ready for action!”

Nigel Bunter, chairman of Barbury International Horse Trials, added: “We are pleased to be hosting such an exciting and unique competition. We are also delighted to be supporting the IJF, which provides such an important role to the entire equestrian community.”

For tickets and more information, visit: www.barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

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