GWENT athlete and Olympic medallist Jamie Baulch is a seasoned competitor when it comes to racing on a running track.

But later this month the 37-year-old athlete will take on one of his toughest challenges yet by pitting himself against a thoroughbred racehorse in the world's first one hundred metre man versus horse race.

The one-off event, which will be held at Surrey's Kempton Park racecourse, will see Mr Baulch race a sprint horse ridden by Fergus Sweeney, with the winner awarded £10,000 for a charity of their choice.

But despite bookmakers naming Mr Baulch's equine opponent as favourite to win, he is confident he can give the animal a run for its money.

Mr Baulch, who lives near Newport, said: "Racing a thoroughbred racehorse is going to be one of my toughest challenges to date - a bit different to lining up in an Olympic or World Championship final. “I have been training quite seriously for the last few months and would love to not only beat the horse, but raise some significant money for my charity."

If he wins, Mr Baulch will donate his winnings to Barnardos Cymru, while Mr Sweeney has selected The Injured Jockeys Fund as his chosen charity.

Originally from Risca, Mr Baulch's sprint career has seen him win gold in the 4x400 metre relay at the 1997 World Athletic Championships and the 400 metres at the 1999 and 1999 World Indoor Championships.

He won a silver medal in the 4x400 metre relay at the 1996 Olympic Games.

For more information and tickets for the event visit www.kempton.co.uk