HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds have been raised for charity at York Racecourse today (June 16).

Despite a showery afternoon, more than 21,000 racegoers enjoyed an action-packed Macmillan Charity Raceday on the Knavesmire.

The total raised during the raceday currently stands at more than £470,000 with final fundraising and donations still to be received.

It takes the total raised by the Macmillan Charity Raceday to in excess of £8 million for Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities since the partnership between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support was first started in 1971.

The finale to Macmillan Charity Raceday saw history made as the Ride of their Lives had two winners, after the judge called a dead heat, between X Rated and Apterix.

This meant that two riders, Sarah Fanning and Chris Brownless, were both victorious.

The group of 11 riders and their supporters raised £110,000 for Macmillan.

Sarah, 37, from Middleham, North Yorkshire, said: "I was so nervous at the start, it's surreal that I've won with Chris. Everyone has done amazingly well and raised so much money for Macmillan. That's what it's all about."

Chris, the oldest competitor, aged 64, from Wooler, Northumberland, added: "It's a special day. I was riding today in memory of my brother who died from cancer in 2015. He would have been 60 today."

The group included Chris Hughes, star of ITV2’s Love Island and Coral’s #LoveRacing ambassador who came with a late run to finish fifth in the race.

Earlier in the day, he staged a selfie station for fans to have pictures with him, in return for donations to Macmillan.

Commenting on the past six months as well as today, he said: “It was an amazing experience and the support from the crowd was unbelievable. I’m disappointed not to win but I’ve loved every minute of the race, the day and the months of training leading up to today, and just want to have another go now. I would like to thank Coral, Jonjo O’Neill, Richard Fahey and Dominic Elsworth and all the other people who’ve all made this possible. It’s one of the best things I’ve done. My fellow jockeys have all been incredible supportive and we’d like to thank everyone who has raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Among the racegoers was Sharon Wood, 51, from Leeds. Sharon was with her family and they were celebrating an engagement.

She said: "It is a fun day. I like the fact it is family-orientated for all ages. It's for a good cause as well."

Craig Feather, 35, from Osbaldwick in York, enjoyed a day out with his son Fin, aged 12.

"I've been coming here for years," Craig said.

"I've been to this charity raceday before. It's a good family day out."

Richard Grainger, 48, from Hull, attended with his friends Abe Ali, 48, and Peter Watson, 53.

"It's been a really good event," Richard said.

"We've just come for a lads day out."

More than 200 volunteers helped with the fundraising events across the day, which was in addition to the support of countless individuals and organisations with fundraising activities including auctions, raffles, a lunch and donations.

Of the £470,000-plus raised, 90 per cent goes to Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the lives of people living with cancer. The remaining 10 per cent goes to a number of charities such as York Against Cancer, St Leonard’s Hospice, Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Macmillan Charity Raceday and made it such a success. At Macmillan we rely on donations to fund our services and help people living with cancer life live as fully as they can, so we’re hugely grateful to everyone that has been involved.”

William Derby, York Racecourse chief executive and clerk of the course, commented: “To have raised over £8 million is an amazing achievement and a tribute to everyone past and present who has contributed to make this raceday such a wonderful event. Countless individuals and organisations have been so generous with their time, involvement and support of the day from throughout the racing and Yorkshire community – it is a special day everyone associated with it can be very proud of.”

People can still donate to the riders’ fundraising pages at: www.macmillan.org.uk/charityraceday

Macmillan Charity Raceday will be back in 2019 on June 15.