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Christine saddles up for the biggest charity race in the world

A North Yorkshire company secretary, who has never ridden in a horse race in her life, is making her debut as a jockey in the biggest charity race day in the world.

Christine Swiers, from Norton-le-Clay, near Boroughbridge, is one of 12 riders taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual race at York Racecourse on Saturday June 11.

She commented: “This is without doubt the biggest personal challenge of my life. I love horses and have been riding since childhood but I have never ridden in a race before, so this is a massive ask.

“Just to add to the pressure, I am riding the Tim Easterby trained horse Relight My Fire which was ridden to victory in the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity Race last year by owner, breeder Mr Johnathon Gill to whom I am very grateful.

“The race is over 1 mile 1 furlong and, as one of only twelve amateur riders in this unique race, I am undertaking a rigorous training regime leading up to my participation in what will be quite literally the ride of my life – on the famous Knavesmire at York Racecourse – in front of a crowd of more than 28,000 people,” explained Christine.

Christine is preparing for the race by riding out three days a week with Ann and George Duffield at their Sun Hill Farm Stables at Constable Burton, near Leyburn.

Ann commented: “We have been delighted to help Christine, as she is a friend of ours and this is such an excellent cause. She is a great rider and seriously fit. When she first came to us, she was a rider on a racehorse, now she is a jockey on a racehorse. There is a big difference.”

In addition all the jockeys taking part in the race are getting expert riding tuition at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, including a training day with former champion jockey Kevin Darley

Christine said: “Having finished 3rd Veteran Lady in the inaugural Yorkshire Marathon two years ago, I am fully committed to the challenge ahead. Although I have ridden all my life, I have never before had the opportunity to ride in a race and as a racing enthusiast I am very much looking forward to a taste of the action.

“Macmillan is a charity that is close to my heart, so in addition to my physical training I am also raising vital funds for people affected by cancer. I have already beaten my personal target of £5,000. Together with my fellow riders, we are hoping to smash last year’s Charity Race total of £110,000 such an incredible amount to have been raised by only 12 individuals.

“I am holding a number of fund-raising events, including a refreshment and cake stall at the Duffields, when they open their Sun Hill stables on Good Friday (March 25); a wine-tasting with Andrew Firth of Firth & Co at the Friars Head at Akebar, near Leyburn, on April 27; and a country wear fashion show with Millbry at their Richmond store on May 25.”

This year’s race will be the 46th year it has taken place – making it the oldest charity race day in the world.

Nikki Denton, Special Events Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re so grateful these 12 amateur riders are taking on such a huge physical challenge to raise money for Macmillan. Money raised for Macmillan helps fund our vital services which are there for anyone affected by cancer.”

Christine, who is married to former leading amateur jockey Stephen Swiers, added: “Please take time to donate. No matter how small the donation, all donations are very much appreciated and will be put to great use by Macmillan Cancer Support to help make a real difference to people affected by cancer and their families.

“More than one in three of us will get cancer in our lifetimes. We all know someone who has been affected and none of us know if or when we will need the help of Macmillan for our friends and family. Donations can be made through my Just Giving page which is simple, fast and totally secure”. www.justgiving.com Christine swiers.

To purchase tickets for Macmillan Charity Raceday, visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .