The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund class will return to the London International Horse Show this year, on the evening of Monday 18 December.
The unique class sees two teams of five world-class jockeys, put their Show Jumping skills to the test in the prestigious International Arena – all in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
This year’s class comes with exciting additions: Great Britain’s Eventing Chef d’Equipe, Dickie Waygood, will be responsible for setting the height of the course having watched the jockey’s warm-up.
The Markel Joker fence will be included as the last obstacle in the course which, if cleared successfully, will subtract four seconds off the jockey’s time – making the competition even more exciting.
In addition, Team Trainers Pippa Funnell and Nick Skelton CBE will be on hand prior to and throughout the competition offering the jockeys guidance and Show Jumping tactics.
The Show, which takes place from 13–18 December at its new home of ExCeL London, is a true equestrian Christmas extravaganza filled with top-level competition and entertainment
The 2023 teams, who have over 16,000 winners between them, will be captained by the legendary Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy and Tom Scudamore.
AP McCoy, is a 20-time Champion Jump Jockey and has ridden 4,358 winners, making him the most successful jump jockey of all time. McCoy is also the President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, and a regular at London International Horse Show having led his team to victory in last year’s competition.
His rival captain, Tom Scudamore, is one of the UK’s most successful jump jockeys and is the third generation of the famous Scudamore Racing dynasty. Whilst he retired in February of this year, Scudamore rode an impressive 1,499 winners over jumps and 12 on the flat throughout his career.
Full teams will be decided in the run-up to the Show and released in due course. Fans will no doubt be excited to learn that Harry Skelton, son of Olympic gold medallist show jumper, Nick Skelton CBE, will join the line-up. Harry will also be looking to retain his title from last year, and with a Show Jumping background, he will be one to watch.
Jim Crowley, who names London International Horse Show as his ‘favourite event of the year’, will also be seen in action. Representing the girls are Joanna Mason and Saffie Osborne, while rounding off this stellar line-up are James Doyle, Ryan Moore, and Harry Cobden.
The Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund will be part of the Show’s thrilling final performance, which also includes the 5* London Grand Prix, featuring the finest international Show Jumping horse and rider combinations.
For more information, including how to purchase tickets to watch the jockeys visit London Horse Show.
Feature image: Markel Jockeys Jumping in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund – Harry Skelton at London International Horse Show 2022 (London International Horse Show/Peter Nixon)
