The new category has been added ahead of the Oxfordshire event in 2026, which runs from September 9 to 13, as the site prepares to host the FEI Under-25 World Eventing Championships in 2027.

The advanced cross-country course will be designed by Dutch Olympic event rider Andrew Heffernan, who also designs tracks at Bramham and Burgham.

Andrew Heffernan, Dutch Olympic event rider, said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity; Cornbury is a really lovely event that’s become particularly popular with owners and riders in the six years since its inception.

“David Evans has done a great job with the cross-country tracks, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with him and being able to use Cornbury’s park and woods to pose some new challenges for competitors.”

Founder and president David Howden said the event and its new direction are focused on helping young riders progress.

David Howden said: “Hosting the FEI Under-25 World Championships in 2027 is a really exciting development for Cornbury House Horse Trials.

“Right from the start our focus has been on nurturing and promoting young talent – athletes and horses – and we host both the Young Rider and Junior classes for under-21 riders, as well as the British Eventing Young Horse Championships.

“The new FEI Under-25 World Championships are just what the sport needed to help develop and encourage these talented young riders.

“The new Advanced class this year allows us to test the new course and the new layout in advance of running our first CCI4*-S at the World Championships in 2027, and we are delighted to welcome Andrew Heffernan to the Cornbury team.”

Other changes to the 2026 event include a revised start and finish area for cross-country, extended tracks through new sections of the park and woodlands, and a new under-25 dressage arena on the West Terrace lawn of Cornbury House.

To improve ground conditions, organisers will reduce the number of class sections, resulting in around 200 fewer horses competing.

Visitors can expect locally sourced food and drink, an artisan food tent, premium hospitality, and the popular Cornbury Shopping Village.

A new equine stage will also feature Q&A sessions about the sport.

The 2026 event marks the seventh year of Cornbury House Horse Trials.

Tickets for Cornbury House Horse Trials 2026 will go on pre-sale from Thursday, April 30.

More information is available at www.cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk.

Women are being urged to prioritise their eye health this April during Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, amid concerns that many across Oxfordshire could be affected by avoidable sight loss.

According to the London Cataract Centre, 3.5 million people in the UK are living with cataracts.

Women are particularly at risk due to longer life expectancy and hormonal changes.

Melanie Chak, consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica Oxfordshire, said: “Here in Oxfordshire, we’re seeing first-hand the difference that timely access to treatment can make.

“Cataract surgery is quick, safe and highly effective, yet too many people are living with poor vision longer than they need to.

“At Newmedica Oxfordshire, we take the time to guide every patient through their journey, from their first consultation to recovery, making sure they feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout.

“This Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, we’re encouraging women to put their eye health first.

“If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t put it off – getting assessed could make a huge difference to your quality of life.”

Cataracts are a common condition in people over 65 and cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, resulting in blurred or dimmed vision.

Around 29 per cent of people in Oxfordshire are in this age group.

Newmedica Oxfordshire is encouraging women over 60 to seek early treatment for cataracts, which can be managed quickly and effectively with surgery.

Cataract surgery is currently the only effective treatment for cataracts.

It involves removing the eye’s cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, typically takes just 10–20 minutes, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.

The effects can be life-changing, with patients often experiencing improved colour perception and the ability to return to everyday activities.

Newmedica Oxfordshire offers both NHS-funded and private ophthalmology services delivered by consultant ophthalmologists and a skilled clinical team.

The clinic also provides YAG laser treatment, glaucoma management and oculoplastic surgery.

It is owned and led by consultant ophthalmologists Melanie Chak, Mandeep Singh Bindra, Markus Groppe, Moustafa Issa and operations director Durgesh Patel.

For more information, visit newmedica.co.uk/clinics/oxfordshire.

The coin was released by The Royal Mint in 2019 as part of a limited edition of 500, originally priced at £980.

The coin was described on eBay as being in “mint condition” and came boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity.

It attracted nine bids before being sold for £1,552.40.

That was before the £11.95 delivery fee.

The coin features a design of the beloved character Peter Rabbit, created by Beatrix Potter.

It was the first time a Peter Rabbit Gold Proof Coin had been released individually by The Royal Mint.

The item description from the eBay seller states: “This limited edition coin celebrates the beloved character created by Beatrix Potter and is a valuable addition to any coin collection.

“With its charming design and mint condition, this coin is a perfect gift for any avid coin enthusiast or fan of Peter Rabbit.”

The 22 carat gold coin is no longer available from The Royal Mint.