On 13th June 2020, I will be undertaking the daunting but exhilarating challenge of racing 1 mile and 1 furlong around York Racecourse in front of a 20,000+ crowd. I grew up riding ponies and horses in eventing, show-jumping and dressage, but riding a thoroughbred at high speed is an altogether different matter!
The long-lasting partnership between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support remains the biggest single fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support, which has now raised close to £9 million since its inception to 1971.
The Challenge Ahead
I have set a personal target of £15,000, which is a daunting task as I write this in mid January. My training schedule has begun; I started riding out at trainer Tim Easterby’s at Great Habton on 7th January and will be there 3 mornings a week for the next five months. I have started on the slower point to point horses and am currently receiving plenty of tuition to transform me from a rider into a jockey. Hopefully I will soon be let loose onto the faster, flat horses and I will begin to build a relationship with my mount for the big race (which will be confirmed much closer to the time).
Before I get to raceday, I will also need to pass fitness and riding tests at the Northern Racing College. So, as well as riding out three days a week, I will be pounding the roads around Westow and getting myself fit in the gym at Jack Berry House.
Cancer affects everyone and I will be riding in memory of my cousin and godfather Caley, and close family friend Colin, both of whom were taken too young by cancer in the last few years.
Click HERE to read the article in the York Press
Watch this space for lots of events to raise money….there will be something for all ages, some Mumbler related, some not.
