RACING legend AP McCoy is cutting short a weekend of celebrations in his native Ireland to compete in the Jim Old Charity Golf Day at Marlborough Golf Club on Monday.

McCoy retired from racing in April at the age of 40 after being champion jockey for the 20th consecutive year.

Owner J P McManus is hosting a party on his behalf but McCoy has again pledged his support to the racing fraternity’s biggest annual charity golf tournament, although several jockeys who usually play in Old’s annual tournament are remaining in Ireland.

Old, who trained at Upper Herdswick Farm, Barbury Castle, until last year, has so far raised almost £450,000 for charity, mainly for the Injured Jockeys Fund who will again benefit this year from the support of a host of celebrities from the racing world.

He said: “It is a pity the day clashes with AP’s big weekend but he has always been a great supporter, comes every year and is a patron of the IJF. He rode for me three times a few years ago and we have remained friends.

“We are delighted he is returning to play on Monday as the cause is dear to his heart.”