Jockeys will be kicking for home in a very novel manner as they join forces in an attempt to beat their employers in a celebrity trainers vs. jockeys six-a-side football match at Greatwood’s Countryside Day.
Famous racing faces such as Rigmarole (winner of the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham), Bindaree (pictured) (2002 Martell Cognac Grand National winner), and Earth Summit (winner of the 1998 Grand National) will be on parade on the 29 August at the event, which aims to raise money for the charity to be able to continue its work.
In addition, there will be a parade of beagles, the Tedworth Hounds, and the Southern Shires Bloodhoundsd, as well as a dog show, ferret racing and a gundog display.
John McCririck, Channel 4’s betting pundit will undertake the official opening, while former National Hunt jockey Luke Harvey will provide a totally unbiased commentary as his ex-colleagues, Tony McCoy and Carl Llewellyn vie for football glory.
Greatwood is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates and rehomes ex-racehorses, and with names such as Deano’s Beeno on its list, invaluably provides for the future welfare of racehorses.