A RACE at York Racecourse on Saturday, in which 11 amateur riders thundered down the track in front of the 21,000-strong crowds, saw history being made when there were two winners.

The Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives, the final race on the wider Macmillan Charity Raceday, was won jointly for the first time by Sarah Fanning, 37, from Middleham, riding X Rated, and oldest competitor Chris Brownless, 64, from Northumberland, riding Apterix.

Winner Sarah Fanning said: “Everyone has done amazingly well and raised so much money for Macmillan. That’s what it’s all about.”

Andrew Denton, from the event sponsors Best Western Hotels, said: “This is the sporting event of the summer - forget the World Cup. Eleven ordinary people doing something extraordinary for charity.”

Three local riders were among those who climbed into the saddle for the race after months of arduous training.

Jeremy Corkell, 50, of Sinnington, came sixth on Relight My Fire; Jill Boak, 43, of Malton, came in eight on Tagur, and Bertie Hayton, 24, of Nunnington, came in fourth riding Off Art.

The group also included Chris Hughes, star of ITV2’s reality show Love Island and Coral’s #LoveRacing ambassador who came with a late run to finish fifth in the race.

He said: “It was an amazing experience and the support from the crowd was unbelievable. I’ve loved every minute of the race, the day and the months of training leading up to today, and just want to have another go now.”

Macmillan Charity Raceday is the largest charity raceday in British racing. With a total raised of more than £470,000 on the day - with final fundraising and donations still to be received - the event comfortably passed the landmark figure of £8m raised for Macmillan Cancer Support since 1971.

You can still donate to the riders at macmillan.org.uk/charityraceday