Pit your wits against top eventer

While equestrian businesses continue to come up with ingenious ways to make up for the cancellation of events this season, Hackett has announced plans for an in-store two-day event this weekend.

Launched to help satisfy eventing fans who’ll be missing out on Badminton, Hackett has dreamed up a virtual simulator race.

Olympic eventer, William Fox-Pitt who is sponsored by the company, has challenged shoppers to take part in a game at Hackett’s store in London’s Sloane Street.

Visitors to the store on Friday 4 and 5 May will be invited to take part in the virtual simulator riding game called the Final Furlong – either riding against William (on Saturday only) or a friend.

Shoppers will be charged at £1 a game and the highest scorer at the end of the day on Saturday will win a sporting outfit.

The store itself is being dressed out for the occasion, with straw on the floor and TV screens showing past horse related events.

All proceeds will go to a FMD charity.

Spokeswoman for the store, Neil Bugler said: ” It’s a bit of light-hearted fun, which we hope might help raise spirits of those who might have been going down to Badminton at the end of the week. We thought we’d just like to do our bit”.

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