WORCESTERSHIRE'S Tom McDonagh has won a coveted place to ride in the renowned Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National at the Olympia International Show Jumping Championships this week.

They might have short legs and reach a height of no more than 41 inches, but racing fit Shetland ponies certainly know how to shift!

They gallop flat out all the way, taking two-foot high brush fences in their stride.

Their riders, all under 5ft one inches and aged 9 to 14, but are as dedicated as any professional jockey.

They have all worked hard to secure their places in the pony world's favourite racing fixture by competing in a series of heats across the UK throughout the year.

Eleven-year-old McDonagh will be riding Ulverscroft Harold, belonging to the Trott family. He can't wait to leap into the saddle at Olympia to give this fabulously fast race his very best shot.

Since its inception, this annual series of races, which culminates at Olympia, has raised over £250,000 for charity.

The Shetland Pony Grand National is just one of a host of competitions and displays guaranteed to impress the crowds at this year's Olympia.

World class show jumping and dressage, the synchronised beauty of the Bar-celona Police, the drama and fun of the Metropolitan Mounted Police along with unique Christmas fun of The Flying French Frogs and the camels!

With every performance rounded off with the traditional Christmas finale, there will be twelve performances at Olympia up to next Monday.

For further information contact the box office on 0870-733073.