Grand National winner Neptune Collonges stars at Shropshire races
Grand National winner Neptune Collonges will make a special appearance at Shropshire's Eyton Races, it was revealed today.
The racehorse, which has since retired, will help to mark the 90th anniversary of the races at Eyton on Severn on April 1, Easter Monday.
The horse, which won the Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool last year, will be paraded at the south Shropshire point-to-point races.
The traditional Eyton race meeting is held every year near Wenlock Edge and is celebrating its 90th anniversary this Easter.
This year's event will feature a number of different races, including the hunt race, the 2.5-mile maiden, the men's open and ladies' open.
Phil Jones, chairman of the Eyton Races Organising Committee, said: "We wanted to make our 90th anniversary really special and we are delighted that such a famous horse as the wonderful Neptune Collonges will be present."
Neptune Collonges is owned by Cosford-based businessman John Hales, owner of soft toy manufacturer Golden Bear, and was trained by Paul Nicholls.
During his time as a racehorse the thoroughbred was usually ridden by famous jockey Ruby Walsh.
But it was jockey Daryl Jacob who won the Grand National on the horse last year.
The organisers of the annual south Shropshire point-to-point at Eyton are hoping for a large turnout at this year's event.
As well as the races, there is a fairground and licensed trade stands, offering locally produced food and a range of other goods from local suppliers.
Mr Jones added: "We hope that, whatever the weather, we get a large turnout to celebrate this historic anniversary and to enjoy the fun of Eyton."
The gate opens at 11am, with the first race taking place at 1pm and the last race at 4.40pm. Admission is £10 per person and free for under-12s. Car parking is free.
