Excited Dettori gets National ride – on a Shetland pony

Son of Frankie Dettori and daughter of Leighton Aspell are among 12 riders competing in the Shetland Pony Grand National at the National Heritage Centre at Palace House in Newmarket on Sunday.

The event is the main attraction at a Father’s Day fun day, which forms part of the celebrations for the venue becoming an Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017 finalist, for which doors open at 10am.

Among the competitors are Rocco Dettori and Lucy Aspell, who will be jumping miniature obstacles that mimic those at Aintree. Jockeys are between nine and 14 years old, and below five foot.

Rocco Dettori said: “I can’t wait to ride at the National Heritage Centre. I came second at the Royal Windsor International Show so hope I can get a win in my home town of Newmarket.

"My pony Beeswax is really quick and now I have more experience, people say I look a bit like dad.”

The Shetland pony races are scheduled for 11am and 2.30pm and a pop-up BBQ and Adnams bar will be provided by The Tack Room in the arena area.

Tickets cost £5 (under 5s go free), which will be redeemable against an annual pass on the day if visitors want to look around the galleries in the National Heritage Centre.

Riders and ponies . . .

Madeline Reader-Smith, Broadspring Phantom

Rocco Dettori, Mahagadartin Beeswax

Fern Sherwood, Hollydell Poseidon

Sydney Lee, Coppice Bay Rose

Sienna Shepherd, Aberdyant Minstral

Evie Denton, Briars Tiffany

Lucy Aspell, Mahagadartin Elevator

Sophie Stiles, Ulverscroft Hunter

William Henson, Gatebeck Lilly

Danielle Sheehan, Gruntness Inogee

Jack Lander, Millhouse Commander

Alice Robinson, Shelcroft Buttercup