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2026 jockeys

Meet our 18 riders who are taking the reins for a challenge of a lifetime — racing a mile on the flat.

  • Last reviewed: 19th August 2026
Marbuzet 7 Georgie Wood Marbuzet 7 Georgie Wood

Meet our Wetherby jockeys

Our riders are hoping to scoop gold at Wetherby racecourse on Saturday 14 November.

Find out who they are, their personal reasons for taking part and give generously to their fundraising. All the money raised will help horses and everyone who cares for them enjoy the best possible life together. 

Poppy Campbell

At just 19, Veterinary Bioscience student Poppy Campbell has already competed to British Dressage Medium level, produced young horses and earned recognition for her outstanding volunteering within the equestrian community.

Her love of thoroughbreds grew while working with ex-racehorses, and a lifelong fascination with racing made this charity race an opportunity she couldn't resist. For Poppy, it is the chance to combine a new sporting challenge with her passion for horses while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Donate now to Poppy's fundraising

Morgan Ilott

Horses have always been at the heart of Morgan Ilott's life, from growing up riding and caring for her own horses to building a career in equine insurance. Inspired by her uncle's career as a jockey, Morgan dreamed of racing from a young age and jumped at the chance to turn that childhood ambition into reality.

With only limited racing experience, taking part in the charity race is both a personal challenge and an emotional opportunity to follow in her uncle's footsteps while raising money for a cause close to her heart.

Support Morgan's fundraising

Kirsten Owen

Kirsten has dedicated her life to horses, turning a childhood passion into a career spanning more than 25 years. Despite being a keen racegoer, this is the first time stepping up to the start line in silks. Making this charity challenge a true step outside her comfort zone.

Kirsten is a highly respected BHSI-qualified coach and Stable Yard Manager at Myerscough College. She hopes to show her students it’s never too late to take on a new challenge, proving that hard work, determination and a willingness to push yourself can lead to extraordinary experiences.

Support Kirsten's fundraising

Ian Holt

East Lancashire builder Ian Holt is taking on this challenge to shine a light on the wider impact of horses. Passionate about the work of British Horse Society, he wants to highlight not only horse welfare but also the powerful role horses can play in supporting people and communities. Race day gives Ian the chance to champion a cause he believes in while stepping into an unforgettable personal challenge.

Ruth McLoughlin

Ruth McLoughlin's life and career have been shaped by British Horse Society training, qualifications and values since she first started with BHS at 16. 

Now working with the Household Cavalry, she trains new recruits in horse care and welfare while supporting the development of more experienced staff. With decades of equestrian knowledge and horsemanship behind her, Ruth brings a wealth of experience and dedication to race day

Meet our Newbury Jockeys

Our riders are hoping to scoop gold at Newbury racecourse on Saturday Thursday 5 November.

Find out who they are, their personal reasons for taking part and give generously to their fundraising. All the money raised will help horses and everyone who cares for them enjoy the best possible life together. 

Eleanor Wellesley

Eleanor Wellesley balances life as a business owner with her passion for horses, riding each morning with the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and competing her event horse at weekends. 

Already a proven performer, she won the 2024 BHS Newbury Charity Race and has recently passed her Category A Jockey Assessment. With race fitness, determination and experience on her side, Eleanor returns to the charity race circuit with plenty of momentum behind her.

Martha Allhusen

Martha Allhusen lives in London, works in real estate and is studying for a master's degree, but horses have always been a central part of her life. Growing up around horses sparked a lifelong ambition to race, and her family's involvement in breeding racehorses deepened her love of the sport. This charity race is the opportunity to turn a childhood dream into reality while supporting a worthwhile cause.

Richard Morris

Richard Morris brings genuine racing experience to the charity race, having spent eight years in the industry in a variety of roles, including Head Lad to trainer John Akehurst, as well as competing in amateur races.

A qualified equine dentist and lifelong horseman, Richard was due to take part last year but was unable to race because of circumstances beyond his control.

Now back for another chance, he's determined to make it count to improve the lives and safety of horses and riders.

Holly Bailey

For Holly Bailey, racing has been a lifelong dream. After first riding on the gallops at just 14, she went on to work with young racehorses before taking a break from the sport.

Two decades later, her passion was reignited through riding out for trainer Michael Madgwick, and when she saw the BHS Charity Race opportunity, she knew she had to apply.

Balancing life running her own livery yard and raising her horse-mad daughter, Holly is finally getting the chance to fulfil a dream years in the making. 

Rae Gatland-Hanlon

BHS Stage 5 Coach Rae Gatland-Hanlon has dedicated her life to horses, with eventing at the heart of her equestrian career. Despite having no racing experience, she was inspired to take part to give back to British Horse Society, whose training and support helped shape her journey. 

Passionate about improving the lives of horses and people through equestrianism, Rae is embracing this exciting challenge with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Natalie Maidment

For equine massage therapist Natalie Maidment, horses have shaped every stage of her life. A passionate supporter of thoroughbreds, she has spent months training for what she calls the ultimate endurance test, turning a long-held bucket list ambition into reality. 

Inspired by a childhood love of racing and driven by a determination to push her limits, Natalie is taking on race day to support a cause close to her heart.

Rebecca Hacking

Rebecca Hacking's journey to race day began with a note from her elderly neighbour, who spotted an article about the BHS Charity Races and simply wrote, "You would be perfect." A lifelong horsewoman, Rebecca runs a retirement and youngstock livery business, breeds event horses and has competed across numerous disciplines, including winning Inter Hunt Relay races. 

Passionate about the impact horses can have on people's lives, she is raising money for BHS' Changing Lives Through Horses programme while taking on a challenge she never imagined possible.

Zach Vaughan

Zach Vaughan is the founder of Hoof & Hustle Racing and has spent much of his life immersed in the sport he loves. Although becoming a jockey didn't work out the first time around, the dream never went away. 

Having previously ridden out for point-to-point trainers, Zach is now taking on the BHS Charity Race to prove it's never too late to chase an ambition while supporting a cause he believes in.