Twelve amateur jockeys will take part in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of their Lives 2026 on Saturday 13 June 2025 at York Racecourse. The charity race is one of the highlights of Macmillan Charity Raceday, the single biggest fundraising event for the charity which has raised over £10m since its inception.

The riders are keen to get their fundraising up and running and galvanise as much support as possible, with each rider set to raise a minimum of £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support as they embark on a period of intense training over the next six months.

This is a huge challenge taking dedication and determination, and your support is crucial to help the team raise as much as possible for vital cancer services.

On June 13th I have been lucky enough to be selected to take part and ride in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan ride of their lives 2026 charity race at York Racecourse.

This is the largest event in the country of this kind and I feel privileged to be able to help Macmillan and raise as much money as possible and hopefully smash my £5000 target with your help.

My story is...

Horseracing was my first job after leaving school as I wasn't big enough to join the RAF, and even though I never reached the heights of becoming a professional jockey, I did get to ride as an apprentice until becoming too heavy and stayed in the job until 2006. I'll probably be remembered mostly as the lad who gave No bombs the mars bar before he won at Worcester and subsequently failed the dope test.

Thankfully my boss at the time, the late Peter Easterby kept his license and I kept my job.

I now drive for the east riding of Yorkshire council and enjoy doing what I do, however this challenge will allow me to give something back to racing and to help an amazing charity at the same time..

I may be 64 at the time of the race and have had a hip replacement, but me and my mount will give the younger riders a run for their money..

I'm no stranger to taking on challenges having done the Hull 10K a few times for the charities Dementia UK, Parkinson's and Bliss, which I wanted to raise money for as when I was born i too was premature and only given three days to live by the doctor, but thankfully I proved him wrong..However this will be the most demanding one as it will mean early morning drives to Malton to ride out and hours in the gym to get as fit as I can..

Hopefully though my years of riding out will pull me through..

I must also say a massive thank you to Craig Lidster the trainer for allowing me to ride his lovely horse.

Please donate if you can and thank you everyone.

Brian x.