THE Pony Club UK tetrathlon championships have a new title sponsor and a new Yorkshire venue this year.

The championships have been sponsored by leading agricultural dealers, Ripon Farm Services Ltd, and are to be held in the grounds of Allerton Park, Harrogate by kind permission of the Hon Edward and Mrs Stourton.

Held over three days from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, the competition covers four disciplines - air pistol shooting, swimming, cross-country running and cross-country riding. The latter takes place on the Saturday from 10am over the testing Allerton BE course.

Spectators will see the North well represented in both team and individual events, which provide an opportunity to spot potential future Olympic medal winners.

Two ex-pony club tetrathletes, Stephanie Cook and Kate Allenby, went on to win gold and bronze medals respectively in the modern pentathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Spectators are welcome to on the Saturday and Sunday. Entrance is free. For further details contact the secretary on 01423 325399.