TWELVE supporters of cancer charity Macmillan will take part in a nine-furlong race at York Racecourse on Saturday to help raise thousands for the cause.

Each of the riders, who are aged from 21 to 64 and include a teacher, a marketing director and a retired jockey, has pledged at least £2,500 to the charity.

Organisers say supporters can help them beat this target by visiting their donation pages on Just Giving.

The 12 riders are Charlotte Alpin, Catriona Bissett, Jessica Macey, Abigail Makin, Polly Marr, Alison Royston, Kate Walton, Venetia Wrigley, Colin Bunting, Peter Craggs, Sarah Hattersley and Mark Hindmarsh.

A charity auction is also being organised online in advance of the race, with people able to bid online for items such as an exclusive package for the gala opening night of Mamma Mia! in Hong Kong; a private tour of the Archbishop of York’s home, Bishopthorpe Palace; a double magnum of Chateau de la Riviere, Fronsac 2000; a fully catered barbecue in their own home; luxury hotel stays; fine dining experiences and various prestigious racing opportunities.

People can visit yorkracecourse.co.uk’s news section for more information on how to make their bid.

Macmillan Charity Day is part of a two-day meeting.

Racing also takes place on Friday, beginning with the backing of The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet of York and the European Breeders’ Fund for a maiden two-year-olds affair over the minimum trip of five furlongs.

Racegoers will also be treated to a series of fashion shows and stylist tipping sessions throughout the afternoon, as well as having the chance to win a luxury holiday.

Racing on Saturday begins at 2.05pm with the 25th running of The Queen Mother’s Cup.

This is the richest race for lady amateur riders in Britain, and was won by The Princess Royal in 1988.

Saturday’s principal race is The Charity Sprint Trophy, one of Britain’s richest sprint handicaps for three-year-olds, which now offers prize money of £100,000.