A horse and rider have taken centre stage in a video clip of the Tour de France.

The footage on Eurosport shows the horse being galloped alongside the cyclists on Monday (7 July).

The rider in question was Howard Baker from the Essex Farmers & Union, whose wife Jane is a joint-master.

“It was just a bit of fun really,” said Mrs Baker. “He follows the Tour and galloped alongside them in Roxwell.”

The horse Mr Baker was riding is called Harry, who will be taking part in an inter-hunt relay at The Festival of Hunting at Peterborough later this month (16 July).

Harry was unfazed by the bikes alongside him.

“He’s a wonderful horse,” added Mrs Baker. “He’s extraordinary, and very placid.”