PHIL TAYLOR and Wayne Mardle will join the world's leading jockeys ahead of the 2006 John Smith's Grand National when they attend the Alder Hey Darts Challenge on Friday.

The event was staged last year to raise money for the Alder Hey Hospital and 'Imagine Appeal', and will take place at Aintree Racecourse after the final race on Friday.

Twenty top jump jockeys will take part in a challenge to score the highest total with three darts, with the total amount scored being matched in pounds by sponsors.

The top two will then partner either Taylor or Mardle in a head-to-head doubles game.

Taylor and Mardle also have the chance to throw three darts for charity, with £1,000 on offer per bullseye hit to give a total of £6,000 possible.

AP McCoy (pictured with Phil Taylor) and Mick Fitzgerald were the two top jockeys last year.