This picture shows that the nearest I actually got to military service was dressed here as a cavalry general for a TV documentary filmed at Wormwood Scrubs! As you know thousands of our soldiers, my younger son included, are doing it very much for real in Afghanistan. As you also know the Help4Heroes charity has done massive work for the unlucky ones. That’s why I am joining the Horses4Heroes ride at Ascot on Saturday. That’s why I am asking you to help.

 On the day I will be running around banging the drum and I just hope the press will be kinder to me than the last time I rode a winner at Ascot. It was a charity race on the flat long after I had retired from being a professional jockey, yet the Racing Post headline still read: ‘Scott ends 21 year losing streak.’”

Hard lines but not a billionth as hard as for those we need to help. To play my part I have put in £300 on my own. I am not suggesting you match that but every little counts.

 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.