Members of the public are a step closer to fulfilling their dreams of being a jockey for the day at York Racecourse.

The group, aiming to take part in the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives, faced a daunting rider assessment test – and all passed with flying colours. The next challenge for the riders is a gruelling fitness test, which they all need to pass before being allowed in the race, which raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Former champion jockey Kevin Darley ran the rule over the riders at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster on Monday (21st), where they all had to show they can handle a thoroughbred racehorse. Tests included sessions on mechanical training horses, before going out on the gallops on former racehorses to ride at speed and practice starts.

Among the riders is Chris Hughes, who starred in ITV’s Love Island. Chris, Coral’s #LoveRacing ambassador, said: “I enjoyed it, it was a great day, and we all passed which was the main thing. It was good to do the rider assessment and get it out the way. It’s a confidence booster to know you’re capable of doing the race. I think I’m as set as I can be – a few more weeks of fitness training to go, but I’m happy.

“A couple of members of my family have been struck by cancer, and Macmillan is just a great charity which helps so many people. That’s why I wanted to support Macmillan.

“I’m very keen to win, very keen. I think everyone is keen to win, but we just want to have fun. I would say that’s the main thing, but I do want to win!”

The final fitness test takes place at Jack Berry House, a jockey rehabilitation and fitness centre in Malton, on Tuesday 5th June. This will be followed by a weigh-in at York Racecourse, and a walk of the course, before the big race on Saturday 16th June – the final race of Macmillan Charity Raceday. All of the riders have pledged to raise a minimum of £3,000 for Macmillan to take part in the Ride of their Lives.

Jill Boak, from Malton, is riding in memory of her dad, former jockey Mark Birch, who died of lung cancer in 2016. She said: “Less than four weeks to go, I think we’re all ready for it now. The fitness test is in a couple of weeks – it’s the final hurdle really, a big challenge.

“I’ve raised about £5,000 so far, that’s been a heck of a journey. It’s the first time I’ve really done a lot of fundraising but, yes, a lot of work has gone into the fundraising side of things, as much as the riding in fact. On top of that, working full time, having kids, it’s a big take on to do all of this really.
“I’m absolutely looking forward to the big day, it’s going to be a good day and a very emotional day for me with my dad’s ashes being at the winning post.”

Having passed all the riders, Kevin Darley, added: “We needed to see that they’re safe and in control and that they are competent enough really to be let loose on a racecourse, shall we say. They’ve done extremely well, obviously it takes them out of their comfort zone – they are riding horses they don’t know, the format that we do is totally different, but no, I’m pleased with all of them.”

Macmillan Charity Raceday is a fundraising collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support. The day of professional racing and fundraising has been held annually since 1971, raising more than £7 million in total for Macmillan and other charitable causes. The last race of the day is the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives, which last year raised £130,000 towards the grand total of £500,000. Just by going racing on the day, racegoers will be playing their part in the wider fundraising.

For further information about Macmillan Charity Raceday, and to support the riders’ fundraising, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/charityraceday