ELEVEN amateur riders have signed up to take part in a charity horse race in front of thousands of people at York Racecourse.

The riders, including a charity worker and a hotel manager, will complete six months of intense jockey training before racing thoroughbred horses on York’s iconic course as part of the Ride of their Lives event.

They met for the first time at York Racecourse yesterday.

Each rider has pledged to raise at least £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and can expect to race in front of more than 25,000 people.

Ride of their Lives will be the last race of the day at Macmillan Charity Raceday on June 16.

Isabella Budge, 25, from Colton, near Tadcaster, is among this year’s riders. She said: “I’m thrilled and scared about taking part in the race. I’ve been surrounded by horses my whole life - my grandfather, Tony Budge, had a lot of success in racing. When I found out I had been selected to take part, I nearly cried. My dad was the first person I told. He was so happy for me.”

Her dad, Karl, is in remission following a diagnosis of prostate cancer, while Tony died seven years ago due to liver cancer.

Jeremy Corkell, 53, from Sinnington, near Pickering, Bertie Hayton, 24, of Nunnington, near Helmsley, and Jill Boak, 43, of Malton, are also among the 11 riders confirmed so far for the race.

Last year, the Ride of their Lives raised more than £130,000 for Macmillan. All money raised has helped provide emotional, financial, medical and practical support to the growing number of people living with cancer across the UK.

Alexandra Schimmel, senior supporter events manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Ride of their Lives really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we wish these amazing supporters the very best of luck. Their commitment to not only train for six months but also raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan is incredible. Every penny they raise will help us continue to provide vital services for people living with cancer, so we’re extremely grateful.”

Macmillan Charity Raceday is a fundraising collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support.