A FURNITURE retailer is swapping sofas for saddles as it makes its racing debut.

Turnbull and Thomas, based in Stockton, is judging the Best Turned Out Horse competition at the Haydon Point to Point.

Managing director Terence Turnbull said: “We’re really excited to be judging at the Haydon Point to Point meet. It is the lifeblood of the racing industry and a chance to see some of the greats, before they reach the big time.

“We’ll be bringing along some of our suppliers as a way of saying thank you, but also so they can see for themselves the brilliant atmosphere and community of the Point to Point scene, which very much emphasises the sporting nature of horse racing.

“We also think it’s important that the grooms and stable hands are recognised for their hard-work in preparing and looking after the horses. In the same way that the furniture makers are just as important as the designers, the grooms take pride in their work and should be recognised."

The company will be judging the contests at Point to Points across the North-East and North Yorkshire this season.