THE inaugural Seahorse Challenge Race, due to take place off Studland on June 27, has attracted the maximum entry of 100 swimmers plus reserves within a month of being advertised – despite being on the same day as the British Heart Foundation’s Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim.

Bob Holman, chairman of organisers East Dorset Open Water SC, said he was delighted with the take-up.

“All we are praying for now is a fine day – but that’s always in the lap of the gods,” he said.

The swim, in support of the National Trust and the Studland Seahorse Project, will use a triangular 3.8km course close to Britain’s biggest seahorse colony.