This may come as a surprise to many of you, especially after stressing that the Cheltenham festival charity race two years ago was going to be my last, however, I’ve had a recent invitation which seemed too good an opportunity to turn down. I have been kindly offered a place to ride in the one mile ‘BHEST’ charity race at Ascot Race course on 2 May. Not only has it been a lifelong dream to ride round Ascot racecourse, but I was particularly interested in helping and support such a wonderful and unique charity. I have not yet decided what I will be riding, however I will leave this in the safe hands of my father, hoping he will pick me out a speed machine!..

  BHEST stands for British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust; this ‘Racing to School’ programme supports children, many of whom are disadvantaged, to practise their National Curriculum subjects in the unique environment of their local racecourse, trainer’s yard or stud. The programme helps children gain new skills and increases their team-work and confidence. For 83% of children Racing to School is their first race-day experience-sparking the interest of children who could be the future of racing. Please visit http://www.bhest.co.uk to see what this charity is really all about.

  I am required to raise a minimum of £2500 in order to participate amongst some well known names within the racing world. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me along this journey to raise this money for such a great cause.

I am currently in the middle of the point to point season, unfortunately due to the lack of rain, I have only had a few rides this season, and had a few placings. Unfortunately after our brilliant week at Cheltenham, luck turned the other way; I took at fall at Hackwood Park in a point to point and broke my collar bone! I am currently on the mend and receiving electrolysis treatment to speed up the mending process. I am able to move it a little more day by day, and hopefully by next week I’ll be back riding out at home, building up my arm strength. Therefore I thought this charity race would be a great goal to set myself, something I can positively focus on and look forward to during my recovery! I am thrilled and determined to raise myself to this challenge and raise an equally huge amount for this wonderful charity.