JOEY Beauchamp took time out from Oxford United's relegation battle to open a new betting shop in the city and promptly donated his appearance fee to charity.

The 29-year-old winger officially opened River Racing's smart new shop on Park End Street yesterday and generously agreed that his 500 for performing the task should go to the Helen House Hospice in Oxford.

Explaining his choice, Joey said: "It is somewhere I have been to and I have spent a lot of time down there."

And looking forward to tomorrow's Martell Grand National, Joey, who enjoys having the odd flutter, tipped 7-1 chance Bobbyjo to repeat his victory of last year in the Aintree marathon.

He said: "I don't usually do a favourite, but I like the horse. I have seen it run a lot and it has done well for me before and it has got my name in it as well."

Meanwhile, River Racing have a special Grand National offer with punters who lay out over 10 on the big race being given a free 1 bet for next Saturday's Scottish National.