London International Horse Show Ambassador, Chris Hughes, learning what it takes to jump in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund at the Show. Credit: @LIHS/Peter Nixon

With London International Horse Show fast approaching, from 18-22 December, Show Ambassador and former Love Island star Chris Hughes joined four-time Champion Flat Jockey, Oisin Murphy for the ultimate Show Jumping lesson. The session was preparation for their involvement in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund, which takes place at the Show on Friday 20 December. On the night, Hughes will take on the role of Roving Reporter in front of a packed-out crowd, whilst Murphy will be looking to add another win to his belt as he competes in his inaugural class.

The lesson was led by British Show Jumping icon William Funnell at The Billy Stud, a world-class breeding operation renowned for producing top sport horses. As a former FEI European Championships team gold medallist and a five-time Hickstead Derby winner, Funnell’s exceptional horsemanship and contributions to British Show Jumping made him the ideal mentor to prepare the two stars for the arena.

The thrilling class pits two teams of five jockeys – both Flat, like Murphy, and Jump, including legends such as Sir Anthony McCoy OBE and Harry Cobden – against each other in the iconic International Arena. With teams taking alternating turns over fences in a sport neither side is accustomed to, the competition promises nail-biting action, laughter and plenty of festive excitement.

London International Horse Show Ambassador, Chris Hughes, and four-time Champion Flat Jockey, Oisin Murphy, ahead of their Show Jumping lesson at The Billy Stud. Credit: @LIHS/Peter Nixon

This year, Murphy will make his highly anticipated debut in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class at London International Horse Show. Although an experienced jumper since childhood, this marks his first opportunity to tackle a course in front of the energetic and sizable crowd at Excel. Riding Chocolat du Rouet, a talented eight-year-old gelding whom he was partnered with in the lesson, Murphy is ready to rise to the occasion.

Speaking on his appearance, Murphy commented: “I am really looking forward to taking part in the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund at London International Horse Show this December. The class will be great fun, and all of us jockeys taking part will certainly be competing to win, but more importantly we are grateful to be involved in an event that raises vital awareness for a charity that is so important to us all and the wider sport."

Hughes added: "I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for London International Horse Show this year and to be involved in helping to support the Injured Jockeys Fund through the Markel Jumping Jockeys class is really special for me. I can’t wait to see everyone down at the Excel in a few weeks for what is going to be one of the highlights of the Show!"

Oisin Murphy in action during his lesson at The Billy Stud in preparation for the Markel Jockeys Jumping Class in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund at London International Horse Show. Credit: @LIHS/Peter Nixo

For more information, including how to purchase tickets for the Markel Jockeys Jumping in Aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, visit londonhorseshow.com