TOP jockey Mick Fitzgerald was the star attraction at a party to open a refurbished pavilion in his Oxfordshire village.
People from Childrey and nearby villages welcomed Irish-born Mr Fitzgerald to Childrey playing field to celebrate the completion of the pavilion following an £83,000 refurbishment.
The building now boasts new showers, a kitchen area and club room.
Retired Mr Fitzgerald rode his first winner in 1988 and has many big-race victories under his hat, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the 1996 Grand National on Rough Quest.
He was also the top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival in 1999 and 2000.
Organiser Sam Abbott said: “People have been so generous, particularly one villager. We just wanted to do something to thank them all.”
Playing field committee chairman Rob Soames said: “It’s going to be extremely useful — we have four football teams and possibly a fifth starting up.”
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