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On Saturday 28 February I will be riding in a charity race at Newbury Racecourse in aid of Greatwood.

Greatwood is a racing charity with two principle focuses.  The first, which is the basis on which the charity was founded, is to rescue racehorses that for whatever reason fall on hard times when their racing days are over. Wherever possible the aim is to find a suitable home for these horses to enjoy a change of career such as eventing, dressage, hunting or hacking.

More recently, the charity has identified the opportunity for children with special educational needs to learn life skills and emotional literacy through interaction with rescued former racehorses.

As an avid racing fan it is heartening to know that there is a charity that works to ensure that all racehorses, whatever their ability, have a home on retirement from racing. Given the enjoyment they give to those of us who are fascinated by this great sport it is only right that they be found a caring home.  It also comes as no surprise given the kind nature that so many racehorses posses that they have been able to help such a great number of children gain confidence.

Greatwood is therefore a charity I am eager to support hence the decision to undertake this challenge. The race will be run over 1 mile and 5 furlongs, which is just over a mile and a half.  There will be 11 other riders, all with varying levels of ability, taking part and we will race for one circuit of Newbury’s famous racecourse.  We will all have to weigh no more than 11 stone 10 including saddle and all of our kit.  Time to shed that extra Christmas weight!

While I may ride like Davy Russell and have won the Gold Cup on Denman many times in my dreams this is going to take some doing. I will need to get as fit as possible and improve my riding sufficiently to be able to ride (or hang on to) half a tonne of racehorse travelling at around 30mph for a mile and half. You will be pleased to hear that I have already begun training but a lot of hard work lies ahead.

Any donations you could spare, however large or small, would be greatly appreciated in support of this worthy cause. It would be brilliant to see some of you there on the day.I must also give thanks in advance to Tom Symonds for allowing me to ride one of the horses from his yard Dason Court. In addition, a big thank you to Tom’s excellent team for the patience they have already shown and will no doubt continue to show (said hopefully) in getting me as ready as possible for this challenge.

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