FIVE local riders will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The ‘Ride of Their Lives’ event, York Racecourse's flagship amateur charity race, known as the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of their Lives, will take place on Friday, September 24.

Twelve amateur jockeys have been chosen to take part in the once in a lifetime charity challenge which sees them completing five months of intense jockey training before racing thoroughbred horses round York’s iconic course.

S J Barker and Wendy Midgely from Westow, Natasha Nelson from Sheriff Hutton along with Lois Teal and Sean Quinn, from Malton are among the riders taking part.

Sean, who he was born into a life of horses and works for the family business, John Quinn Racing, said: “Myself and the other amateur riders were all bitterly disappointed when the race was postponed last year because of the pandemic.

“I’m really excited to know we’ll be racing in September, we all hope life will feel a bit more normal by then.

“When I decided to take on this challenge I hadn’t ridden a horse for almost 20 years, I was motivated to do my bit for friends and family affected by cancer.

Sean said:“The Head Lass at John Quinn Racing, Cheryl, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and we all wanted to do something to help.

"We were all devastated when Cheryl passed away in January 2020, I’m racing in memory of her.”

William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse, said they were delighted that the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of their Lives was taking place this year.

He said: "We have a dozen tremendously intrepid riders who volunteered to embark on this challenge back in December 2019 before the pandemic intervened so I am so pleased for them and Macmillan that they will fulfil their dream to ride on the Knavesmire and to raise such valuable funds for Macmillan.

“Huge thanks to everyone who is supporting and sponsoring them in this brave quest.”

All proceeds from the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives will go towards Macmillan’s Yorkshire Appeal, launched earlier this year, every donation received will stay in the region and give vital support to those who need it.

Racing fans can support the riders in September by attending the event, for further information and to book tickets visit the York Racecourse website https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/