Building on 52 years of popularity with racing fans and with now over £10 million already raised for good causes, Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse on Saturday 15 June will see the track saying “thank you” to those who work with the charities.

York Racecourse has provided complimentary admission to over six hundred people who support Macmillan and other charities, including St Leonard’s Hospice and Cash for Kids.

The initiative is called the “Proper Thank You Bank” as it is intended to credit the hard work of these individuals. These dedicated professionals are from across the UK, some traveling from Essex and Suffolk to spend the day at York Racecourse, for their first racing experience. They work to offer physical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer, in hospitals, on the support line, in hospices and in the community.

Speaking about the idea, Head of Community Engagement, Amy Swales said, “Working closely with Macmillan and our local charity partners you discover the dedication of so many people and we simply wanted to say, “thank you”. We hope they all enjoy what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of both sport and fund raising.”

Designated by the sport as a Premier Raceday, Saturday’s principal contest is The Churchill Tyres Supporting Macmillan Sprint, one of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, it offers prize money of £100,000.

The day will also celebrate the commitment of the twelve intrepid amateur riders, who will undertake the Macmillan Ride of Their Lives, a mile race aboard a thoroughbred on the famous Knavesmire. Each rider has pledged at least £3,000 to the charity and you can help them by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving.

The charity auction so generously supported over the years is now available to view online in advance of the raceday. This means everyone can place a bid for the many stunning lots. Some of the more unusual lots this year are a chance to meet rapper Fat Boy Slim as he tours the UK, or to receive a full made-to-measure suit tailoring experience in the heart of Mayfair with Fielding & Nicholson. Visit here for more information on how to make your bid and where else you could help.

After the Ride of Their Lives at 12.30pm, racing under Rules begins at 1.50pm on both days, the Saturday action starts with the 34th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup, the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain and a contest won by The Princess Royal in 1988 as well as by ITV Racing presenter, Francesca Cumani in 2006.  It offers an opportunity for the successful rider to toast her success in her own weight in Lanson champagne.