SOME of the best riders from England and Ireland are set to clash in the Anglo-Irish Challenge in Chaddesley Corbett on Monday.

The event has proved a resounding success in the Republic of Ireland over the last two year and organisers believe the formula can be equally successful in Worcestershire.

Irish riders are not normally allowed to ride in British point-to-points so it has required special dispensation from the racing authorities to allow the event to take place.

The two teams will race against one another in the AGA West Midlands Area Club Members Race for Lady Riders, and the Restricted for gentleman riders.

In both contests, the eight top rated horses will be ridden by leading jockeys from both sides, with the choice of mounts decided by ballot.

The British Men's team comprises Will Biddick, John Mathias, Darren Edwards and Jamie Thomas, while the ladies is made up of Gina Andrews, Hannah Watson, Claire Hart and Cath Walton.

The Irish are represented by Derek O’Connor, Jamie Codd, Barry O’Neill and Declan Queally, and their Ladies are Liz Lalor, Stella McGrath, Maxine O’Sullivan and Lisa O’Neill.

Organisers have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the meeting is a success and their efforts have been rewarded with 15 entries for the men's challenge and 16 for the ladies equivalent.

Local hopes rest with Tom Weston’s Thoonavolla, who has taken some good horses to lower his colours this year and recent statistics suggest he could just prevail.

The event, which is also the Albrighton and Woodland meet, starts at 2pm.