Champion jockeys in jumping relay at Olympia

Champion jockeys AP McCoy and Richard Hughes are to go head-to-head in a showjumping challenge at Olympia (19 December).

Different

The pair will lead two teams in the Markel Champions Challenge, which will see jump jockeys and Flat jockeys compete in a showjumping team relay competition.

Joining AP in the jump jockey squad are John Francome, Sam Twiston-Davies and Sam Thomas, while representing Flat jockeys with Richard are Hayley Turner, Jim Crowley and Adam Kirby.

Ultra-competitive

John Francome has something of an advantage, having had a successful showjumping career as a teenager before becoming a jockey.

“Riding at Olympia is going to be good fun for us all,” he said. “Of course it’s in aid of a great cause, the Injured Jockeys Fund, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be ultra-competitive! The jump boys intend to show the flat jockeys just how it’s done.”

It’s far from a done deal for the jump jockeys, however, as Hayley Turner has taken lessons with Ben Maher.

Watch out!

“Having a jumping lesson with Ben has really helped get my eye in before Olympia,” said the Group 1 winning jockey. “It’s a completely different style of riding to what I am used to.

“The jump jockeys may think they have the upper hand over the flat jockeys but we are taking this seriously so they want to watch out!”

The competition is being held in aid of Olympia’s official charity this year, the Injured Jockeys Fund.