I'm bridging a 25 year gap in race-riding with this fantastic chance to race at the Cheltenham Festival and raise money for The Injured Jockeys Fund, which does extraordinary things for extraordinary sportsmen and women.

I was originally entered for a charity race at Newbury in February, but was first reserve at Cheltenham. Another rider has dropped out, so I have just squeaked into the field of 12.

Quite frankly I wasn't much cop back in the 80s, much like The Thompson Twins, Howard Jones and Rick Astley. But since acting as Assistant Trainer to the racing Doc, Richard Newland,  I returned to riding out in 2010 on Glimmer of Light. If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn't be writing this now. 

Zipping up the gallops bought the adrenalin rush back to me and when one of our owners, James Couldwell, said: "Rod, you're riding better than Lester Piggott (well he is 79), there's a charity race at Cheltenham you should consider," I jumped at the chance to enter.

If you can support the charity in any way I would be tremendously grateful. Thank you to those who donated £2,500 on my original page for Greatwood Charity. This money is being kindly transferred to IJF by Greatwood. I need to raise another £2,500 for the Cheltenham race as part of the entry requirements.

I'll maintain a blog on this page for all those in need of a light sedative. Special thanks to James Couldwell, Richard Newland, Chris Ward (terrific pro jockey trying to get me riding as effectively as a 69 year old Lester), Carolyn White, Milly Murray, Charlie Hammond, Amanda Pettit and whichever gorgeous owner entrusts me with a horse for the race.

Thanks for reading this far, you deserve a medal!