Paul Carberry to compete at Liverpool International Horse Show

Grand National-winning jockey Paul Carberry is to take part in the Liverpool International Horse Show at the end of next month.

The 43-year-old retired from race riding in August of last year and has been keeping busy by buying and selling horses.

However, his competitive juices still flow and having taken show jumping more seriously of late he now feels the time is right to test himself against the best.

The fact the competition takes place in Liverpool, scene of his famous win on Bobbyjo in 1999, gives Carberry even greater motivation.

"To be competing at Liverpool International is just fantastic and will no doubt bring back memories of many happy times at Aintree," said Carberry.

"I have made the transition to show jumping relatively quickly, but over the years it has always been a part of my life, just not the main competitive focus.

"When I was first told I could no longer race it was devastating, without doubt winning the Grand National changed my life and to follow in my father's footsteps was a massive deal at the time.

"A life in racing brings many highs and lows so for that adrenaline to disappear overnight is mentally tough to take and I am very glad I found show jumping as an outlet not only for my passion for the horse world, but also my competitive nature."

Carberry will be riding one of his own horses, the seven-year-old Brandon View First Edition.

"Now that I am show jumping, producing and finding young horses that have real potential, I very much see my change in direction to show jumping as a positive one I can enjoy with my wife and children," said Carberry.

"In my racing days I was known for living the high life and enjoying a drink or two.

"I think terms such as genius and madness were also used but things have quietened down these days and competing at Liverpool International is a major step forward in the life I lead today and my future hopes."

The Liverpool International Horse Show takes place at the Echo Arena on the waterfront from December 29-31.