HEROS Charity, which retrains and rehomes racehorses as well as providing educational opportunities for young people, has combined with the Amateur Jockey’s Association (AJA) and Newbury Racecourse to organise a charity race. 

The HEROS Charity Amateur Riders’ Sweepstake will take place over 1m2f at Newbury Racecourse on the evening of Thursday 24th July.

The flat race is open to 12 riders at level weights of 11 stone 7lbs. Riders are responsible for finding their own horse to ride in the race and will need to raise a minimum of £1,500 for HEROS Charity. 

Riders who don’t have previous recent race experience will be required to attend a minimum of three training sessions for assessment with a licensed jockey coach or complete an assessment day at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College.

Horses will need to be rated 0-75 for flat racing. National Hunt horses can also run subject to individual clearance from HEROS Charity and Newbury Racecourse. 

‘Realise a dream’

“We are delighted to be working with Newbury Racecourse and the AJA again on a charity race for HEROS,” said Grace Muir founder and ceo of HEROS Charity.

“We have done several in the past and it is always a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity for some riders to realise a dream of riding in a race. 

“We are excited about working with and supporting the riders, who take part and help us by fundraising vital funds to allow us to secure the futures of the many former racehorses and students who come through the various HEROS programmes. 

“Our huge thanks must go to Newbury Racecourse and the AJA for their enthusiasm and invaluable support of our charity riders’ race, and we look forward to a fantastic evening at Newbury on the 24th July.”

For more information contact Sarah Oliver from the AJA at sph.oliver@icloud.com or contact Kate Mills from HEROS on kate@heroscharity.org.

Image © HEROS Charity.

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