Ever
dreamt of riding around the unique contours of Cheltenham Racecourse, the Home
of Jump Racing and one of the most famous racecourses?
Even
better, how about experiencing the thrill of race riding at one of the biggest
race meetings in the world, The Festival.
Applications
are now being invited for the Charity Flat race, which takes place for the
fifth time as the last contest on the third day of The Festival, St Patrick's
Thursday, March 13, 2014.
The race
is one of the principal fundraisers for Cheltenham Racecourse's chosen charity,
Cancer Research UK. The 2014 running is expected to take the total amount
raised for Cancer Research UK to over £1 million since the race's inauguration.
With a
maximum field of 12 runners, the race over a mile and five furlongs is open to
any amateur rider who feels they can raise the required amount of at least
£5,000 in sponsorship to take part. Participants are required to provide their
own mount, which must have run at least twice under the recognised Rules of
Racing.
Previous
winners of the St Patrick's Derby, as the race is known, have been racing TV
presenter Lorna Fowler, Orna Madden, Brian Bunyan and Olympic silver medallist
Tina Cook in 2012, just prior to her London glory.
Applications
close on Wednesday, November 20, 2013.
To make
an application, please contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or via sph.oliver@btinternet.com
Sophia
Brudenell, Communications Manager for the South West Region of Jockey Club
Racecourses, said: "The St Patrick's Derby has quickly become one of
the most popular charity races in the country, as the opportunity to ride
around Cheltenham during The Festival is something incredibly special.
"In
the past, the race has appealed to people from all over the UK and Ireland. Of
those, some have been riding regularly since childhood and others have used
the race as a chance to improve their skills. It really is open to
everyone."
Jacqueline
Ashton, Head of Special Events and Supporter Partnerships, Cancer Research UK,
commented: "Cancer Research UK is thrilled to be a part of the 2014
Cheltenham Festival. It is now the fifth year that Cheltenham Racecourse
has been supporting us in raising vital funds in our effort to beat cancer
sooner, and in 2014 the St Patrick's Derby is set to take our partnership's
fundraising to over £1 million.
"It
is only with the support of Cheltenham Racecourse and our wonderful jockeys
that we have been able to reach this exciting milestone.
"All
of the money raised for Cancer Research UK over the duration of The Festival
helps us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and, with one in
three of us still developing cancer at some point in our lives, every step
towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated."
The
Festival takes place in 2014 from Tuesday, March 11 to Friday, March 14,
inclusive.
The race
conditions are as follows:
St
Patrick's Day Derby
The
British Horseracing Authority have granted exemptions from the effects of Rule
A38 for this race as it is run outside the Rules of Racing. Therefore, it will
not count for any purposes on the horse's career record.
For
four-year-olds and upwards who have run at least twice under the recognised
Rules of Racing.
Distance -
One mile and five furlongs - to be started by flag.
Weight -
11st 10lb.
All horses
to be rated:
0-125 for
hurdlers/chasers
0-85 for
Flat horses
Point-to-pointers
can also run subject to individual clearance.
Please
note: Any horse that does not fit the above criteria will be subject to a
handicapping system at the discretion of Cheltenham Racecourse.
All horses
to be vaccinated in accordance with Rule E18/19 of the Rules of Racing.
This is an
invitation race but riders are responsible for finding their own horses. All
riders must be passed fit to ride by the racecourse doctor on the day of the
race and must agree to receive medical attention should it be deemed necessary.
Riders must provide their own equipment including the mandatory back protector
and skull cap as laid down under the Rules of Racing January 2002 Standards.
Each rider
is requested to join the AJA and to raise at least a minimum of £5,000 in
sponsorship.
Any rider
offered a place and subsequently withdrawing their entry from this race at any
time and for any reason will forfeit any sponsorship monies already lodged.
A maximum
of 12 riders only.
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