PIRATES star Chris Holder has been granted a testimonial at Wimborne Road in recognition of his services to British speedway.

And Poole promoter Matt Ford says the popular Sydneysider has free rein to hold the meeting next year should he wish.

Holder is one of Pirates' most decorated riders of recent years having won four Elite League crowns since he joined in 2008, while he contributed towards the 2014 title triumph with a number of early-season appearances.

The 28-year-old achieved those successes despite a string of injuries, including a broken neck and wrist in 2014, a broken hip, pelvis, shoulder and heel in 2013 and knee ligament damage at the end of 2012.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Chris has been granted a testimonial at Poole. I'm uncertain if he will hold it next year but certainly he has our support if he wishes to do so."

Holder, who won the Ashley Jones Memorial in Australia at the end of last month, enjoyed an injury-free season this year as he played a part in Pirates' third straight league title triumph.

However, the 2012 world champion admitted to a confidence battle and also saw close friend Darcy Ward suffer a serious spinal injury in a racing crash in August.

Nevertheless, Ford revealed that Holder planned to compete with the best in next year's world championship having secured his place on the circuit by a narrow margin.

Ford added: "Chris had a torrid year in many ways, not least the huge impact that Darcy's injury had on him, while still having not really recovered from his own career-threatening injuries.

"He knows that things could have been different as he only just qualified for next season's Grand Prix.

"I know that next year Chris is planning to be far more organised than he has ever been before. He knows that he has fallen behind some of the top guys but his plans are push himself back up and fight for the world championship with the likes of Tai Woffinden, Greg Hancock and Nicki Pedersen.

"I always feel it's good to have at least one rider of our team in the Grand Prix as it keeps up a tremendous amount of interest with our supporters."