Wetherby Racecourse, West Yorkshire on 29th October 2021
Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire on 4th November 2021
On 29th October at Wetherby Racecourse and 4th November at Newbury Racecourse you will have the chance to watch our jockeys enjoy the thrill of a lifetime by making it to the starting line in support of the BHS. Following the race will be a delicious lunch with some amazing auction prizes and more cracking racing! Enjoy a flutter from our BHS member’s area and take advantage of our fabulously exclusive BHS entry discounts. Tickets will be on sale here soon.
Is a charity lunch even a charity lunch without an auction? Help us to raise vital funds enabling us to do even more valuable work, by bidding for money can’t buy auction lots. Keep your eyes peeled on the website for the auction launch in September.
Our Jockeys
Our jockeys are training hard to get to their fitness peak in preparation for a mile race on the flat.
Each of them is raising money for our different, vital appeals. You can follow and support our jockey’s journeys, through their highs and lows on JustGiving as they reach their fundraising targets.
Get an idea of what to expect by watching this footage of our 2019 Charity Race at Newbury Racecourse
I don't know when I last travelled that fast, it was over in a flash! It was just an unbelievable, unforgettable day. I'm on cloud nine and I don't think I'm coming down anytime soon!
Isabella Budge, Newbury Charity Race 2019
I love racing, being around horses and getting outside my comfort zone. So riding in an actual race, on a Group 1 track, really is my version of living the dream and fulfilling the wildest of ambitions. I last rode a horse 25 years ago, and then was only average at best.
The seed was sown in November 2019, watching the BHS Charity race and the thrill it clearly gave the participating jockeys. Having recently turned 50 it was now or never to attempt the same.
And so the journey began… over the last 6 months I have got ‘horse’ fit, relearned to ride and now ride out on a regular basis. So far it has been exhilarating, great fun and hugely rewarding and I intend to enjoy every moment of the journey to come and of course the race itself, whilst raising as much money as possible for the BHS and supporting the vital work they do.
Seon O'Connel, Newbury Jockey
Rider information:
- Unlicensed riders without previous recent race riding experience must attend an assessment day at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College.
- Riders are responsible for finding their own horses
- You will have the unique opportunity to ride one of the ex-race horses currently residing at the BRS or at NRC in Doncaster.
- During the training you will be filmed and photographed on the gallops to assess your style and competence
- Maximum weight: 11 stone 7 stone including kit (Riders putting up overweight will need to pay an extra £10 per pound which will be donated to The British Horse Society)
Racehorse requirements:
- You will need a horse that is in training with a registered trainer or a Point to Pointer.
- 4 year olds and upwards who have run at least twice under the recognised Rules of Racing
- All horses to be rated: 0-125 for hurdlers/steeplechasers 0-80 for flat horses Point-to-pointers can also run subject to individual clearance
- All horses to be vaccinated in accordance with Rule E18/19 of the Rules of Racing
Watch our video of Newbury Riders Sophie & Issy talking about their experience
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Take a look at our '5 Essential Requirements to be a Jockey' article if you are interested in learning more about the process
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