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| St Patrick’s Day Derby - Thursday March 15th 2012 |
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Over the past two years in excess of 400,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK at The Festival and the charity race, won last year by broadcast journalist Lorna Fowler on the Sir Henry Cecil trained Plato, will be the centrepiece of the fundraising for Cancer Research UK on St Patrick’s Thursday.
The 12 jockeys for the 2012 charity race, selected from almost a hundred applications, represent riders from the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland with a wide range of equestrian skills. Competitors from England include the daughter of legendary trainer Ginger McCain and London Olympic Games hopeful Tina Cook. Wendy Normile, who works for the all conquering Coolmore Stud, is one of the riders representing Ireland and opera singer Shn Cothi will be flying the flag for Wales.
Joanne McCain, daughter of Scottish Grand National-winning trainer Tim Vaughan who will provide her with a horse for the St Patrick’s Derby.
James Hughes (23, Doncaster), works as a scrap metal trader for Universal Recycling and has close links to the racing world through his parents who have horses in training with Ferdy Murphy at Wynbury Stables, in North Yorkshire . James is an accomplished rider who has represented Great Britain in the under 21 showjumping team and competed at national level. James loves racing and it has always been an ambition of his to take part in a race.
Candida Baker (41, Hants), is married to trainer George Baker who trains at the historic Whitsbury Manor Racing Stables in Hampshire, where the iconic chaser Desert Orchid was trained. Candida, a mother of two children Barney aged 9 and Tallulah aged 7 - assists her husband in the day-to-day running of the stables and looks forward to the of her many friends and owners who will enjoy following her campaign.
Stuart Parr (26, Merseyside), is a fire fighter with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Stuart has ridden all his life including riding out at Donald McCain’s yard and working as a rider and groom for the Greater Manchester Police & Merseyside Police Mounted Sections. Stuart credits Patricia Caldwell, wife of trainer Terry Caldwell, as the inspiration behind him becoming so involved in racing as she provided him with lots of opportunity to learn. Due to Patricia very sadly losing a battle with cancer recently and his mother being diagnosed with cancer nine months ago, Stuart was inspired to take part in the charity race. Becoming more tied to his career with the fire service, sometimes working 80 hours a week, Stuart saw this as his last chance to ride competitively. The Festival is one place he has never visited and is looking forward to being there.
Gina Bryce (28, London), ed the racing channel At The Races as a Presenter after graduating from Cambridge University and winning a place on the Darley Flying Start training course. She also works as a presenter for Timeform Radio and combines a broadcast career with freelance writing for leading industry titles such as the Racing Post, The Irish Field and Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine. Gina is a regular exercise rider for John Berry having ridden out in the past for Paul Cole, Michael Bell and Willie Musson. She hopes to ride the David Pipe-trained On Khee in the St Patrick's Derby and hopes to improve on her only previous ride in public when she missed the break by 25 lengths!
Cheltenham Racecourse’s Managing Director, Edward Gillespie, said: “We have been delighted with the success of the charity race over the last two years which has raised an amazing amount of money for Cancer Research UK. The riders that take part have been seriously competitive and the race has proved a popular addition to what is already a spectacular day of high-class Jump racing”.
s Milner, Director of er Led Fundraising at Cancer Research UK, added: “We are truly delighted to be involved in this very special charity event at The Festival. Last year, with the generous of Sir Henry Cecil, the charity race on St Patrick’s Day at Cheltenham helped us to raise a staggering 250,000 for our lifesaving research. We’re really looking forward to yet another successful race this year.
“The money raised through the charity flat race and our wider partnership with the racecourse will make a real difference to the vital work of our scientists, doctors and nurses, who work tirelessly to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. We wish all of the participants the best of luck and hope that they enjoy the day".
