The exhilarating Markel Jockeys Jumping class in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund is set to make its much-anticipated return to London International Horse Show 2024. The festive equestrian extravaganza, which runs from 18 — 22 December at Excel London, will showcase top-tier sport and entertainment, with the jockeys taking centre stage on the evening of Friday 20 December.
This entertaining class will see two teams of five jockeys — featuring a mix of Flat and Jump racing stars — swap the racecourse for the show jumping arena. Under the bright lights of the prestigious International Arena, the competition promises a perfect blend of horsemanship skills, fierce competitive spirit and plenty of laughter, all in support of the incredible work of the Injured Jockeys Fund.
The class will run with one rider from each team in the arena at a time, alternating turns, and with riders facing time penalties of three seconds for every fence knocked down, the stakes are high in this fast-paced contest. The crowd-favourite Markel Joker fence, which debuted in 2022, will once again feature as the final jump. Jockeys can choose whether to jump the Joker after completing their round, knowing that a successful clear will subtract four seconds from their time, while failure will result in an additional four second penalty.
This year’s event will feature an extra dose of excitement, with television personality and ITV Racing presenter Chris Hughes attending as a special guest. Hughes, who gained fame on ITV’s Love Island in 2017, has since become a familiar face in the world of horse racing and will be taking on the role of roving reporter during the class.
Team Captain again in 2024 is the iconic Sir Anthony McCoy OBE, who achieved an astonishing 4,358 wins and a record 20 Champion Jump Jockey titles over the course of his illustrious career. McCoy, President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, is no stranger to London International Horse Show, having guided his team to victory in this class in 2022. This year, he’ll be looking to reclaim the title after his team narrowly missed out in 2023.
On taking part in the Markels Jockeys Jumping class, Sir Anthony McCoy OBE, President of the IJF said: “We all love taking part in the Markel Jockeys Jumping. It’s always such a great night. Some jockeys jump really well, some fall off — usually me — but it’s for a great cause and the least we can do to raise awareness of the IJF and the incredible work the charity does.”
Up against McCoy is none other than fellow Jump Jockey Harry Skelton, who leads the opposing team for this year’s challenge. Skelton, who currently sits second in the 2024 Jump Jockeys Championship, is son of Olympic Show Jumping gold medallist Nick Skelton CBE and has been part of the winning team for the past two years — a feat he will be looking to accomplish for a third consecutive year.
The star-studded lineup continues with Champion Jump Jockeys Brian Hughes and Harry Cobden joining the field. Hughes, a three-time Champion Jump Jockey in just four years, and Cobden, the current Champion Jump Jockey for the 2023-24 season with over 850 career wins, are both poised to be standout contenders. Adding to the excitement, Henry Brooke and Gina Andrews will round out the roster of Jump Jockey superstars. Brooke has enjoyed one of his best seasons to date and currently ranks in the Top 10 of the Championship, whilst Andrews has ten Ladies’ Point-to-point Jockey Champion titles to her name.
Joining from the Flat racing world is Jim Crowley, the 2016 Champion Flat Jockey, and Oisín Murphy, fresh off his fourth Champion Flat Jockey title for the 2023-24 season. Crowley, who initially started his career as a Jump jockey, previously expressed that London International Horse Show is his “favourite event of the year”, whilst Murphy has competed in Show Jumping throughout his youth — both will be looking to outclass each other over the arena fences.
Fellow Flat jockeys Joanna Mason and Saffie Osborne will also be competing in the fan-favourite event. Mason, a former amateur who turned professional in 2020, has already accumulated over 150 wins. Osborne, daughter of renowned jockey-turned-trainer Jamie Osborne, made headlines earlier this year as the first woman to ride a winner at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai.
Juliet Redfern, Divisional Managing Director – International Equine & Livestock at Markel said: “Markel is delighted to be contributing to this London International Horse Show iconic event for the ninth year. It’s an event which embodies the best of everything that show jumping and racing has to offer whilst raising important funds for the incredible Injured Jockeys Fund.”
With a cast of legendary jockeys, nail-biting competition, and a festive atmosphere, the Markel Jockeys Jumping class at London International Horse Show is set to be an unmissable highlight of the festive holiday season.
For more information, including how to purchase tickets for the Markel Jockeys Jumping in Aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, visit londonhorseshow.com
