Twelve members of the public have been selected to participate in The Macmillan ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race at York Racecourse on Saturday 14 June. 

The amateur jockeys must compete six months of jockey training to prepare them for next month’s race as well as raising a minimum of £4,000 each for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Congratulations to the 12 riders selected to take part this year, we wish them the best of luck and hope they’ll enjoy every minute of this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said William Derby, chief executive at York Racecourse.  

“York Racecourse is incredibly proud of its long running partnership with Macmillan. Through tremendous support from individuals and organisations we raised a remarkable £568,941 in 2024.  

“We are very much looking forward to Macmillan Charity Raceday on Saturday 14 June which is the biggest charity race day in British racing. Just by attending and supporting these riders, people are helping to raise vital funds for those living with cancer in Yorkshire.”

Profitable event

The charity race, which is in its 13th year, 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 in 2012.

“It takes real dedication, bravery and perseverance to put yourself forward for this challenge and at Macmillan we’re so appreciative of these 12 amazing people, we wish them the best of luck,” said Amy Hebdon from MacMillan Cancer Support. 

“Macmillan Cancer Support receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on donations – we simply couldn’t help the growing number of people who need us, without the support and generosity of the riders and their supporters.”  

The list of riders for the 2025 race and their trainers are:

  1. Lizzie Anderson, 20, (Ripon) – Mark Walford
  2. Tabitha Bentley, 29, (Harrogate) – Jacqueline Coward
  3. Alex Duckitt, 23, (Penrith, Cumbria) – Tim Easterby
  4. Clinton Frank, 21, (Cheverly) – Joseph Parr
  5. Margaux Henckx, 29, (Freckenam, Suffolk) – Kevin Philipart de Foy 
  6. Alex Kay, 49, (Whitby) – Rebecca Menzies 
  7. Lester Loyd, 43, (Bishops Castle, Shropshire) – Kirsten Rausing
  8. Amelia McArthur, 33, (Howsham, York) – Tony Coyle
  9. Anya Potter Firth, 19, (Pickering) – John Quinn
  10. Miles Seston, 40, (Firby, York) – Dave O’Meara
  11. Alex Postolowsky, 40, (Market Rasen) – Michael Herrington
  12. Eleanor Wellseley, 29, (Chelsea, London) – George Boughey

For more information or to book tickets to watch the race, click here.

Image © Macmillan Cancer Support. 

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