Ride Of Their Lives 2018 (York Charity Race Including Chris Hughes!)

All of us are likely to be affected by cancer at some point in our lives, whether it be friends or family, it’s a horrible disease that doesn’t discriminate. At York on June 16th, twelve racing enthusiasts from all walks of life will have the ‘ride of their lives’, racing on the Knavesmire for one common goal. Each participant has their own story, preparing over the recent months with the goal of raising money for a charity that has a hugely positive effect on so many lives, Macmillan Cancer Support. In this article, we’ll be going into detail about what Chris Hughes has gone through to get himself race ready, in the hope that it’ll show the determination of all the other riders too, whose stories are listed below. The race will be conducted under a flag start, with it scheduled to take place at 5:40pm. Heading to York on Saturday to support their Macmillan Charity Raceday? We’ll have York Tips for every race on the card!

Chris Hughes – Getting race ready

Many of you will recognise the name Chris Hughes, as the Love Island star has been a mainstay on our television screens. He’s appeared on ITV’s coverage of racing on numerous occasions, making no secret of his passion for racing, which has certainly been refreshing to see.

Chris has been put under a challenging and demanding program to prepare for the contest, needing to keep his weight down to 11st 13lb. That means he will have lost eight pounds since March, riding out three to four lots per day for the Jonjo O’Neill yard to get him in fighting shape for his first professional ride. The attached video will show you just how physically demanding riding out a racehorse is and what Chris has been going through day by day.

(Video Credit to Coral Official on YouTube)

As an Ambassador for Coral, he was sent to Dr George Wilson with the aim of making his race weight, with the video (seen below) giving a very interesting insight into just what it takes to shed weight within a limited time scale and keep it there. Kept on a strict diet plan, which includes six meals per day, Hughes will arrive at the Knavesmire in fighting form.

(Video Credit to Coral Official on YouTube)

The Full Line-Up

#1 Carnageo – Chris Hughes (Richard Fahey)
https://www.justgiving.com/chrishughes-loveracing

#2 Barye – John Reddington (Richard Hughes)

Aiming to race as much money as possible for an organisation that touches and helps so many peoples lives.

#3 Apterix – Chris Brownless (Brian Ellsion)
https://www.justgiving.com/chris-brownless64

Racing in memory of his younger brother, who sadly lost his battle with cancer in October 2015.

#4 Maifalki – Scarlett Ward (Jason Ward)
https://www.justgiving.com/scarlettwardcharityrace

Having never sat on a horse prior to March, Scarlett described this as the most amazing challenge she’s ever taken on. She’s aiming to raise as much money as possible to make a positive difference.

#5 Tagur – Jill Boak (Kevin Ryan)
https://www.justgiving.com/jill-boak

Racing in memory of her father, a seven-time top northern jockey, who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2016.

#6 Gannicus – Isabella Budge (Brendan Powell)
https://www.justgiving.com/isabella-budge

Losing her grandfather Tony Budge and his brother to cancer, Isabella unfortunately knows more than most how devastating cancer can be. With her father also diagnosed with prostate cancer, this will a poignant ride as she raises both awareness and money for the cause.

#7 Relight My Fire – Jeremy Corkell (Tim Easterby)
https://www.justgiving.com/jeremy-corkell2

With almost all our lives affected by this horrific disease, Jeremy is riding to raise money for the nurses who continue to dedicate their lives to our loved ones in their times of need.

#8 Kiruna Peak – Annabel England (Fergal O’Brien)
https://www.justgiving.com/belsengland

Diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017, Annabel underwent major surgery in September, with cancer affecting three direct family members. She aims to raise vital funds in the hope of giving something back, with her participation a huge show of character.

#9 X Rated – Sarah Fanning (Mark Johnston)
https://www.justgiving.com/sarah-fanning

Riding for several loved ones who have been affected by cancer, Sarah has been inspired to take on the challenge and as a former York Racecourse employee, she’ll be relishing every moment.

#10 Off Art – Bertie Hayton (Tim Easterby)
https://www.justgiving.com/bertie-hayton

Wanting to give back to her community, Bertie has been involved with smaller fundraisers previously and will be aiming to raise as much money as possible for the cause. Losing her grandmother and grandfather to cancer, she cites this as ‘fundraising with a purpose’ and as a rider since she was little, this will be a wonderful opportunity for her.

#11 Tekiblue De L’Orme – Helen Hinton (Philip Kirby)
https://www.justgiving.com/helen-hinton1

Losing her first husband, the father to her two daughters, Helen has been strongly motivated to raise as much as possible for this wonderful charity. With a lifelong passion for horses, she’s relished the challenge.

#12 Golconda Prince – Karen Thompson (Richard Fahey)
https://www.justgiving.com/Karen-Thompson33

Dedicating her race to all those currently bravely fighting cancer, those who sadly lost their battles and two loved ones, Karen is riding on the premise of a very important message.

We would like to wish all the riders the best of luck for their rides on Saturday, with all their hard work and courage something to be massively admired. If you are able to donate, it will be massively appreciated by all those racing and will have the positive impact on someone’s life, when they need it the most.