AN AMATEUR jockey from North Yorkshire claimed victory in a charity race at York Racecourse - helping to raise more than £150,000.

Watched by nearly 11,000 people, amateur rider Luci Hughes, from Stokesley, raced to victory on Midnite Bride, trained by Kevin Ryan, in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan ‘Ride of Their Lives’ - and raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

After the race, Luci said: “I feel absolutely amazing, I’m so delighted to win the race. Every one of the riders has been amazing, and it’s been a pleasure to undertake the challenge with every one of them.

“It’s great to have the support from my family and friends here today, I just wish my grandad was here to see me win too.”

York Press: Luci Hughes is an amateur rider from from Stokesley

Luci was one of 12 jockeys who took part in the race - all of whom raised more than £150,000 for Macmillan.

Clara White, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said: “Everyone at Macmillan would like to extend our thanks and congratulate the amateur riders on raising £150,000. This phenomenal amount will make a massive difference to people living with cancer right here in Yorkshire.”

The charity challenge sees members of the public completing months of intense jockey training before racing thoroughbred horses on York’s iconic course.

York Press: All of the riders come together after the charity race in York

The riders were selected for the race back in December 2019 and were originally due to ride in June 2020. After a 15-month delay due to the Covid pandemic the riders finally had their big moment, as part of a new race meeting for York Racecourse.

The race was part of the city racecourse’s partnership with Macmillan, which will see more than £250,000 raised this year.

York Press: The 12 riders that will take part in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan ‘Ride of Their Lives’ on Friday

William Derby, chief executive at York Racecourse, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, stretching back 50 years.”