Tag Archives: Frankie Dettori

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Bridget’s Girls vs Frankie’s Boys in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Markel Champions Challenge at Olympia

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‘Race Night’ at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, is set to wow crowds on Friday 21 December, with an evening of competitive racing action including the Markel Champions Challenge, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Star jockey, Frankie Dettori, will captain a team of leading male jockeys who will be looking for victory in an unmissable battle of the sexes. Pitched against Dettori’s team will be the racing world’s ‘Girl Power’ – a team of leading female jockeys captained by Bridget Andrews.

The Markel Champions Challenge will see the jockeys switch disciplines for one night only, as they compete in a relay Show Jumping competition. This is the fourth year of the Markel Champions Challenge at Olympia and it has quickly become a highlight of the week.

With a long list of achievements under their belts, both captains have the credentials to lead their teams and take the Markel Champions Challenge title. Dettori recently took centre stage at Royal Ascot, riding three winners to victory on the opening day, adding to his extensive list of over 3,000 winners. Bridget Andrews took her biggest win to date at the Cheltenham Festival in March, aboard Mohaayed in the County Hurdle, cementing her position amongst the best female jockeys in the country.

Bridget Andrews says: ‘I am delighted to be captaining the girls. I’m sure we’ll give Frankie and the boys a real run for their money, and hopefully, come home winners! More importantly, it’s all for a great cause, raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.’

The final line-up will be announced in due course as Andrews and Dettori select their teams. Expect to see some of the biggest names in racing as competition gets fierce for the 2018 showdown.

Juliet Redfern, Managing Director of Markel’s Equine and Livestock division, says: ‘Markel is delighted to be continuing our support of this fabulous event which gets more competitive every year between the teams. Having a “Girls vs Boys” theme this year puts a new twist on things and of course I’ll be rooting for the girls. Combining such a popular event in support of such an amazing charity in the Injured Jockey’s Fund – it doesn’t get any better.’

Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, says: ‘Olympia is becoming one of the highlights of the jockeys’ year and they have so much fun. We can’t thank Markel enough for their continued support of us and the work we do and are looking forward so much to being back at Olympia again.”

‘Race Night’ at Olympia, the UK’s largest indoor Show, will involve an evening of race-themed entertainment. With a full line-up still to be announced, spectators can expect appearances from the legendary Bob Champion. The Bob Champion Cancer Trust is supported by the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National, in which crowds can cheer on the mini jockeys and their fierce Shetlands over a mini Grand National course.

To find out more about Olympia, the London International Horse Show, visit www.olympiahorseshow.com.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Telford gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk +44(0)7717 776928

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Anthony McCoy and Frankie Dettori Announce Their Teams to Compete at Olympia

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Sir Anthony ‘AP’ McCoy and Frankie Dettori, MBE, have announced a stellar line-up of jockeys, past and present, to take part in the Markel Champions Challenge, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at Olympia, The London International Horse Show (12-18 December 2017).

For the first time ever, ten of Britain’s most legendary jockeys will go head-to-head in the Olympia Grand Hall on the evening of Friday 15 December, for one of the all-time greatest jockey showdowns, as flat and jump jockeys compete on a level playing field. The competition will be part of Race Night at Olympia and will be hosted by renowned broadcaster, Clare Balding.

The most successful National Hunt jockey in history, AP McCoy, winner of 20 consecutive Championship titles and over 4,000 races, will be gunning for glory alongside his team of former racing stars. The line-up will include Richard Dunwoody, three-time Champion jockey with credits including two Grand National wins and four King George VI victories, two of which were aboard the illustrious Desert Orchid.

Eight-time Champion jockey Peter Scudamore and seven-time Champion jockey John Francome will be adding to the team’s long list of achievements, which between them includes 38 National Hunt Jockeys Championships. The final member of the team of Champions will be nine-time Irish Champion jockey, Charlie Swan, holder of the most winners ever ridden in an Irish race season, and three-time consecutive winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham aboard the great Istabraq.

AP McCoy said: ‘I rode at Olympia in 2015 and it was great fun. Last year I had to watch the flat jockeys win so I decided to come back this year with the best possible team behind me and take the crown back for the jump jockeys!’

Representing the current generation of flat racing legends, Dettori and his teammates undoubtedly have the credentials to give McCoy’s gang a run for their money as they collide in the Markel Champions Challenge. The compelling line-up will consist of Ryan Moore, three-time Champion Jockey, with a history of achievements that have led to many hailing him as one of the world’s best flat jockeys. Moore will be accompanied by Richard Hughes, who after an extremely successful career, winning three Championship Series after over 25 years in the saddle, has channelled his knowledge to become a highly successful trainer.

Richard Hughes said: ‘It’s great to be involved in Olympia Horse Show and the Markel Champions Challenge. We will certainly be looking to set the pace against McCoy and his golden oldies! The event is also in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, a fantastic cause, and a great chance to raise awareness of the incredible work they do.’

Last season’s Champion jockey Jim Crowley will be adding to the team’s prestige, with a history of jump and flat racing which started in the Shetland Pony Grand National. Crowley is sure to bring a competitive-edge. Jamie Spencer, who in August of this year rode his 2,000th winner, one of only twenty-two jockeys to have reached this landmark, will be hoping to lead his team down the home straight as the final member of Dettori’s team.

Clare Balding, MBE, who will be joining the fun as commentator in the ring, said: ‘The Markel Champions Challenge at Olympia Horse Show is going to be particularly exciting this year, with so many highly-acclaimed jockeys competing under one roof. It’ll be a very special occasion, and I am thrilled to be involved. We know they can all jump at speed but let’s see which one can do that without sending poles flying.’

The Markel Champions Challenge, in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, will take place on Friday 15 December as part of ‘Race Night’ at Olympia, an evening of race-themed entertainment, including the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National, in aid of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

For more information, please contact:
Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk 0203 176 0355

Revolution Sports

Victoria Pendleton Will Star alongside Frankie Dettori in Jump vs Flat Jockey Clash at Olympia

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Olympia, The London International Horse Show, is delighted to announce that double Olympic gold medallist, Victoria Pendleton, will be gracing the Olympia arena as she turns her hand to show jumping in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund on the evening of Friday 16th December for the Markel Champions Challenge.

She will be plying her trade against the best in the racing world. The Challenge is made up of a flat jockey team captained by Frankie Dettori and a jump jockey team captained by current National Hunt Champion, Richard ‘Dickie’ Johnson. The flat team will also include about-to-be-crowned Champion flat jockey Jim Crowley. Both teams will be gunning for glory making the adrenalin fueled contest even money.

Frankie’s team: Frankie Dettori, Jim Crowley, Hayley Turner, Adam Kirby, 5th rider (TBC)
Dickie’s team: Richard Johnson, Victoria Pendleton, Sam Twiston-Davies, Tom Scudamore, Harry Skelton

The competition will see the five flat jockeys competing against the five jump jockeys over a challenging show jumping course built by the legendary course designer Bob Ellis. This exhilarating spectacle will task even the most experienced of riders, creating huge excitement around the Olympia arena for this year’s Friday evening performance.

Prior to the event, the former cyclist will undergo specialist training from a fellow Olympian, currently at the pinnacle of his career – Rio 2016’s individual show jumping gold medallist Nick Skelton. Nick will be giving Victoria special tuition as the multi-sport queen switches saddles yet again to take up this latest challenge.

Victoria Pendleton, multiple Olympic medallist, said:

“I am thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious event like Olympia. The Markel Champions Challenge will be an exciting competition with such a high calibre of jockeys and I’m really looking forward to riding in it. To be back involved in a team again and hear the excitement of the crowd will be immense. I just hope the jump jockeys can get over the line for the win!”

Juliet Redfern, Markel’s Managing Director of Equine and Livestock, said:

“It is fantastic to see the return of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Markel are proud to be associated with such a credible cause at a brilliant event. To see Victoria on board will be enormously inspiring to everyone, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish all the competitors the best of luck.”

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said:

“The Injured Jockeys Fund is delighted to be involved in this fantastic event. Not only will it be a lot of fun but it will help to raise awareness and crucial support for all injured jockeys and their families.”

To buy your tickets to this unique event and secure your place at one of the equestrian performances of the year, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone box office on 0871 230 5580.

For more information, please contact:

Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk, 0203 176 0355
Injured Jockeys Fund: Liz Ampairee, liz@lizampairee.com 0773 333 1945
Markel International: Michael Henman, michael.henman@markelintl.com 0207 953 6000

Olympia, The London International Horse Show
The first international horse show took place in the Olympia halls in 1907. Olympia, The London International Horse Show, the event we see today, was started by Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1971.  This year’s show takes place on 13-19 December 2016 in the Olympia Exhibition Hall, located in West Kensington London. The show will play host to a packed timetable of all things equestrian and is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors. It is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious equine competitions. The show mixes top class equestrian action, including FEI World Cup™ Jumping, Dressage and Driving with family entertainment, such as the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National and The Kennel Club Dog Agility.

The Injured Jockeys Fund
The Injured Jockeys Fund was founded in 1964 following the devastating accidents to Tim Brookshaw, and then Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National. In the 50 years since, The Fund has spent over £18m in helping over 1000 jockeys and their families. The IJF has two respite and rehabilitation centres, Oaksey House in Berkshire, opened by Patron HRH The Princess Royal in 2009, and Jack Berry House in Yorkshire, which opened in the Summer of 2015. A third facility in Newmarket to be called Peter O’Sullevan House is currently being planned. www.ijf.org.uk

Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance

Markel Champions Challenge in Aid of Injured Jockeys Fund Set to Return to Olympia

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Olympia, The London International Horse Show is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund on the evening of Friday 16th December, which will feature high profile names such as the legendary Frankie Dettori and newly crowned National Hunt Champion, Richard Johnson.

The event, which sees some of the UK’s top jump jockeys test their mettle against their flat counterparts, made its debut at Olympia, The London International Horse Show back in 2014 and returns by popular demand for the second time in 2016.

Markel International, the specialist insurer, is proud to return as sponsor of the special class, which is set to be one of the highlights of the evening.

Captaining the flat team will be Frankie Dettori, a champion on the flat, who never fails to provide top class entertainment wherever he goes. Frankie will go head-to-head with 2015-2016 National Hunt Champion Richard ‘Dickie’ Johnson, stepping out of the shadows of Sir Anthony McCoy on the track and looking to fill ‘A.P.’s’ boots at Olympia too, following the success of the jumps team back in 2014.

The captains will select their teams over the coming months, with the final line-up set to be announced early in the autumn. Always highly competitive, there is no doubt that both Frankie and Richard will be looking to field the strongest teams available, as they lay down the gauntlet for the challenge. The class is sure to be a crowd pleaser and the fans may even be treated to one of Frankie’s infamous flying dismounts.

In addition to the entertainment value of the class, the Markel Champions Challenge is run in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, the charity which provides invaluable support for jockeys and the wider equestrian community.

Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, says:

“We are delighted to see the return of The Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. The 2014 event was a great success and helped raise awareness of the important work we do at the IJF in supporting injured jockeys and their families.”

Juliet Redfern, Markel’s Managing Director of equine and livestock, says:

“We are thrilled to be supporting this exciting event at Olympia for a second time and hope that it raises lots of money for the Injured Jockeys Fund, which is a truly fantastic charity.”

Simon Brooks-Ward, Olympia, The London International Horse Show Director, says:

“We are very pleased to announce the return of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund. We are looking forward to seeing the top jockeys once again demonstrating their equine skills in the Olympia Exhibition Hall in an event which was one of the highlights of the 2014 Show. With the likes of Frankie Dettori and Richard Johnson involved this year, it is sure to be another great spectacle which will wow the audience.”

To buy your tickets to this fantastic event and secure your place at one of the equestrian performances of the year, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone box office on 0871 230 5580.

Olympia, The London International Horse Show:
Gayle Telford, E: gayle@revolutionsports.co.uk or T: +44 (0)207 592 1207

Injured Jockeys Fund:
Liz Ampairee, E: liz@lizampairee.com or T: +44 (0)773 333 1945

Markel International:
Michael Henman, E: michael.henman@markelintl.com or T: +44 (0)207 953 6000

Olympia, The London International Horse Show

The first international horse show took place in the Olympia halls in 1907.  Olympia, The London International Horse Show, the event we see today, was started by Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1971.  This year’s show takes place on 13-19 December 2016 in the Olympia Exhibition Hall, located in West Kensington London. The show will play host to a packed timetable of all things equestrian and is expected to welcome over 90,000 visitors. It is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious equine competitions. The show mixes top class equestrian action, including FEI World Cup™ Jumping, Dressage and Driving with family entertainment, such as the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National and The Kennel Club Dog Agility.

The Injured Jockeys Fund

The Injured Jockeys Fund was founded in 1964 following the devastating accidents to Tim Brookshaw, and then Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National. In the 50 years since, The Fund has spent over £18m in helping over 1000 jockeys and their families. The IJF has two respite and rehabilitation centres, Oaksey House in Berkshire, opened by Patron HRH The Princess Royal in 2009, and Jack Berry House in Yorkshire, which opened in the Summer of 2015. A third facility in Newmarket is currently being planned. www.ijf.org.uk