FRANKIE DETTORI and Anthony McCoy are joining forces with leading equestrian stars and celebrities for a fundraising initiative launched by the team behind Bolesworth and Liverpool International Horse Shows.

Equestrian Relief will see donations going directly to support the efforts of the work being carried out by the NHS.

Eventing world champions Ros Canter and Zara Tindall, Olympic gold medallists Carl Hester and Scott Brash, plus McCoy and Dettori from the horse-racing ranks, have all pledged their support, with the goal to raise £100,000 in 10 days.

Each day two team members will take part in one of the five challenges, which are named On the Gallops, Plankety Plank, Horse Drawn, Showstopper and Dark Horse, with organisers hoping to test the skills of riders physically, creatively and artistically.

All challenges will adhere to the latest government coronavirus guidelines and activities will be completed by each team member at home, for example a five-kilometre run on a treadmill.

Dettori said: “I am super-excited to announce that I will be taking part in Plankety Plank and Bake Off Easter Showstopper, all in aid of Equestrian Relief.

“It is going to be great fun, however, we are all very competitive so I can’t wait to get started — so please make sure you support us!”

Nina Barbour, Bolesworth managing director, said: “Our priority is to unite the horse world to support our health workers and our goal is to raise a sum of money that will make a real difference.

“All donations will go directly to NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Crisis Fund, supporting NHS staff and volunteers on the front line as they work under pressure and in the most challenging of circumstances.”