TWELVE amateur jockeys are saddling up to race in front of thousands of spectators as part of York’s Macmillan Charity Raceday later this year.

The 49th annual raceday will take place on June 15 at York Racecourse, and will once again feature Macmillan’s ‘Ride of their Lives’.

The amateur jockeys who have been selected to take part this year will train for months to prepare for the event, while raising sponsorship money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Actor, Patrick Kennedy, 41, who has appeared in TV series including Black Mirror and Downton Abbey, will be competing in the race in memory of his father.

He said: “I was brought up by my race mad dad. We went to the races all the time and so it was part of my upbringing.

“My father died of cancer when I was 21 and it also affected his father and my uncle, so this event definitely means a lot to me.”

Patrick has even ridden a horse on screen as Lt. Waverly in the 2011 film, War Horse.

“I’ll probably have to wear some lucky green socks for the day, given my Irish roots and the Macmillan colours,” Patrick added.

Another competitor is Leah Cooper, 18, from York. She is riding in memory of her grandmother, who died from cancer a year ago.

Leah said: “I was so happy when I found out I’d been selected to race. My nana kept horses and I’ve been riding since I could walk, so I’m feeling prepared.

“You don’t know when cancer is coming. Anyone can get it at any time. I just hope that the money we raise can make a big difference to people going through it and help support them.”

A collaboration between York Racecourse and Macmillan Cancer Support, the wider raceday has raised more than £8million to help people living with cancer since it launched in 1971.

This year, Macmillan’s national president, Lady Halifax, 69, of East Yorkshire, will be also taking part.

Previous competitors for the race include Love Island star Chris Hughes.

Alex Schimmel, senior supporter events manager at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Macmillan Charity Raceday is our single biggest fundraising event and the money it raises helps us to support people dealing with the physical, financial and emotional effects of cancer. It’s a privilege to collaborate once again with York Racecourse to raise even more life-changing funds.”

James Brennan, head of marketing at York Racecourse, said: “The riders will be putting in months of training to prepare for the big day.

"They’re doing their bit so it’s up to the rest of us to dig deep and help them raise as much money as possible for Macmillan.

"Just attending to cheer them on will help, as the partnership sees money donated out of every admission ticket.”

To sponsor a Macmillan Charity Raceday rider visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/macmillanraceday2019