Battle of the disciplines at Bicton
Jockeys, showjumpers and event riders will come head to head for charity at Bicton Arena’s annual charity competition on Saturday, September 12.
Newton Abbot Racecourse is the headline sponsor at the event which is held as a fund raiser for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund during the arena’s September showjumping show. It attracts a huge crowd of well wishers keen to watch the hooves flying and to cheer on their chosen teams. A party in the marquee following the competition is an added attraction.
Riders this year include the jockeys Nick Scholfield, James Best, Michael Nolan, Matt Griffiths, Ceiran Gethings, Sean Houlihan and Conor Smith while representing the eventers are the arena's manager Helen West, Rosie Fry, Tamysn Hutchins, Janou and Althea Bleekman.
The showjumpers look set to include Cornwall’s contingent of Andrew Williams, Andrew James.
Patrick Masterson, managing director at Newton Abbot Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be the official sponsor of this year’s Jockeys V Showjumpers V Eventers Challenge and to be able to support the efforts of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
“Based on the feedback from previous events, the Challenge is sure to be one not to be missed and will go a long way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.
“On behalf of all of the team at Newton Abbot Racecourse, we wish this year’s competitors every success.”
Arena manager Helen West added: “It’s the third year we have held the competition and it is going from strength to strength. It’s such a lot of fun for spectators to watch the teams pit their wits against each other and fly down the course of showjumps. We’ll include the steeple chase fence too this year as the final obstacle before they gallop flat out to the line.”
The event is free to attend with spectators encouraged to make a donation to the Injured Jockeys Fund. Professional event rider Aaron Miller was in last year’s winning team. Badly injured in a serious car accident earlier this year he will be watching from the sidelines this year.
He said: “I have started my rehabilitation at the Injured Jockeys’ Fund’s Oaksey House and the facilities there are phenomenal. I believe by working with the physiotherapy team there I will get back to riding much quicker. I hope everyone makes it a date and comes long to support this really great night out.”
