A new class for ex-racehorses will be introduced at a major equestrian event near Charlbury in 2025.

Cornbury House Horse Trials and Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud have announced the new class, which will have a first prize of £45,000.

The aim is to raise the profile of thoroughbred horses’ suitability for eventing.

David Howden, founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials, said: "I am so excited that we will be introducing this very special class at Cornbury House Horse Trials in 2025.

"Jayne McGivern and I share a joint passion for both eventing and racing and for the amazing horses in those sports, and we hope to draw attention to the wonderful versatility of thoroughbred."

Ms McGivern added: "There is no doubt that thoroughbreds can shine at the very top level in eventing, and I hope this class will inspire our top riders and everyone else connected to this fantastic sport to believe in them and give them the opportunities and the best care and training to reach their full potential."

The Cornbury Racehorses Eventing Challenge will be run at British Eventing Open Novice level, with a dressage test in a long arena and the show jumping phase last and in reverse order.

To enter, horses must have achieved two Minimum Eligibility Requirements at novice level in 2025, and must not have competed at CCI4* level or above in the last two seasons.