Ahead of Olympia, the London International Horse Show, taking place on 12 – 18 December, Frankie Dettori headed to Ascot Racecourse to give his son, Rocco, some important training tips as he prepares to take part in the Shetland Pony Grand National and he himself prepares for the Markel Champions Challenge.
The crowd-favourite Shetland Pony Grand National, see’s competitors who are aged between 9-14 and under five foot (152.4 cm), race around the arena on a miniature course with jumps which mimic those seen at an Aintree Grand National. Much to the delight of his famous jockey father, Rocco has qualified for Olympia, the pinnacle of the Shetland Pony Grand National calendar and will be racing each night at Olympia in front of packed audiences with the event expected to attract 90,000 visitors across the seven days.
Frankie Dettori, who was riding a slightly smaller horse than he is used to, took his son on the iconic Ascot racetrack to put him through his paces with the hope that Rocco can claim the ultimate prize at Olympia.
Frankie Dettori will also be competing at Olympia, the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian event, to defend his title in the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, but will face stiff competition as ‘AP’ McCoy, 20-time Champion jockey and legend of the jump racing world, is preparing to step out of retirement to rival the world’s most famous flat jockey. In a bid to execute their best performance, both jockeys and their subsequent team members will have specialist coaching from top International Show Jumpers as they strive to cruise around the course of challenging Show Jumps.
Race Night’, taking place at Olympia Horse Show on Friday 15 December 2017, will host an entire evening of racing themed excitement featuring top jockeys from the racing world. Spectators can also expect to see appearances from racing legend Bob Champion whose charity, The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, is supported by The Shetland Pony Grand National which will also be taking place, bringing racing stars of the future to compete in the fast-flying competition.
More information about Olympia, The London International Horse Show, and how to secure your place at one of the equestrian performances of the year can be found online here.