AP McCoy joins in the fun for Lambourn open day

Champion Jockey amongst those taking part in racing's big day out on April 22

Lambourn-based Champion Jockey and 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year AP McCoy will join the line-up of top former and current jockeys taking part in the Betfair Lambourn Open Day.

The show jumping competition is set to be the highlight of the afternoon's entertainment on a day when trainers across the Lambourn Valley open their yards to the public.

Up to 10,000 visitors flock to the annual event, which remains racing's best attended non-racecourse event.

The public are provided with a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the country's top training establishments, including Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows, and to meet the stars of the show.

A host of Easter entertainment will be on offer for all the family featuring other top jockeys including John Francome and Mick Fitzgerald competing in the puissance competition and schooling horses.

Other entertainment will include a sheepdog display, horseball event and farriery.

The jockeys have a key role in the Lambourn Open Day's popularity, sparing one of their very few days off from racing to attend and entertain the public for the charity event.

Chairman of the Betfair Lambourn Open Day committee, Mark Smyly, said: ‘“I'm delighted to be able to confirm such a fantastic line-up at this year's Betfair Lambourn Open Day. Each year the event grows in popularity and scale and without the support of our sponsors, trainers, jockeys and the Lambourn community this event would not be the success that it is.”

The event takes place on Friday, April 22.

Tickets cost £12 for the whole day and £6 after 1pm. Children can attend free. All money raised supports local charities including the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.