'I can't wait' - Sam Waley-Cohen tempted out of retirement for Lambourn Open Day

Sam Waley-Cohen, who retired after winning the Grand National on Noble Yeats at Aintree on Saturday, has been lured back into the saddle to take part in a showjumping competition against Sir Anthony McCoy at the Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day, which returns after a three-year absence on Friday.

Waley-Cohen, who turns 40 on Friday, and McCoy are not the only National heroes to dust off their boots as Marcus Armytage, who also won the Aintree highlight as an amateur, will be participating in the Taittinger-backed event with Jamie Osborne and Nico de Boinville.

The big names also come in equine form as superstar chasers Sprinter Sacre and Altior will parade with former champion sprinter Battaash.

Sprinter Sacre: superstar chaser will be paraded on FridayCredit: Alan Crowhurst

That parade, which is sponsored by Windsor Clive, and the showjumping are part of the afternoon entertainment on Friday, while a number of yards – headed by Nicky Henderson's famous Seven Barrows – will be open from 8.30am until 1pm.

Waley-Cohen, whose feet have hardly touched the ground since his fairytale triumph, said on Tuesday: "I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Lambourn Open Day to take part in the showjumping competition against the likes of AP and Nico. It’s always a great day out, which raises a huge amount for local charities.”

Mark Smyly, chairman of the open day, has welcomed Waley-Cohen's appearance and cannot wait to see the public return to the area after the pandemic prevented the event being staged in 2020 and 2021.

"The last two Good Fridays have been very quiet," Smyly said. "It's fantastic that we can welcome everyone back to Lambourn for what should be a brilliant day.

"We are thrilled to have Grand National hero Sam Waley-Cohen competing against some of the best past and present National Hunt jockeys in the showjumping competition. The parade will be very special, and I can’t wait to see who comes out on top in the camel racing."

The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other worthy local organisations will benefit from money raised on the day.

Tickets cost £15 for the whole day and £10 for the afternoon entertainment only, while entry is free for under 12s.

Further information is available at .

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