Britain's national point-to-point champions Gina Andrews and James King are being joined by Becky Smith and Tommie O'Brien in a race that commemorates the life of Lorna Brooke at Fairyhouse today.
The quartet are representing Britain against the best of Ireland in The Lorna Brooke Ireland v Great Britain Challenge Handicap Chase (1.45). Fairyhouse is an apt venue for the contest, given that Brooke, who died following a race-riding fall at Taunton in April, recorded one of her biggest victories at the Irish track in 2015 on the Paul Stafford-trained Moonlone Lane.
Tommie O'Brien, who is part of the Great Britain quartet at Fairyhouse
Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe said: "Lorna Brooke holds a special place in the history of racing at Fairyhouse by winning the first ever ladies' chase in Ireland or the UK.
"She was a great advertisement for amateur jockeys and the sport of racing, and the photo of her beaming smile while holding the trophy is very special."
He added: "We are delighted that the Brooke family have allowed us to name the race in her honour."
Point-to-point champion riders Gina Andrews and James King will be hoping to fend off team Ireland (photo - Neale Blackburn)
Both teams in the challenge features two male and female riders, with a points system around the race deciding which team becomes the first winners of the Lorna Brooke Trophy. Ireland's team involves ten-time Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Jamie Codd, multiple point-to-point champion Barry O’Neill, plus Aine O’Connor and Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase-winning rider Maxine O’Sullivan.
A field of 14 has been declared for the contest, but only the eight riders are involved in the challenge.
A necklace designed by Carol Bergins will be presented by the Brooke family to the woman rider who achieves the best finishing position in the chase, while the winning jockey and team will all receive trophies presented by the Amateur Jockeys' Association.