Newmarket trainers to become jockeys for a day in proposed charity race

Newmarket is hoping to stage an innovative charity race restricted to licensed trainers based in the town, with organisers bowled over by the level of interest.

The race, the first of its type in Britain since 2012, has attracted support from 21 trainers and would precede racing on day one of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend on Saturday, September 20 to raise money for charities, including the Newmarket Housing Trust and Racing Welfare.

The idea has been put forward by Jockey Club Estates managing director Nick Patton, who was tasked by Open Weekend chairman Charlie Fellowes with coming up with something different to start the two-day event. It is hoped it can be staged on the Rowley Mile.

Patton said: “I sent an email around and I only expected a couple of replies but unbelievably I’ve had 21. The race is subject to BHA approval but if it comes off it would be a great way to kick off the Henry Cecil Open Weekend.”

Nick Patton: "It would be a great way to kick off the Henry Cecil Open Weekend"

The trainers who have signed up are: Louise Allan, John Berry, John Butler, Tony Carson, Charlie Clover, Martin Dunne, Alice Haynes, James Horton, Jack Jones, Gay Kelleway, Terry Kent, Kevin Philippart de Foy, Phil McEntee, Michael Keady, Pat Owens, Simon Pearce, Richard Spencer, Tom Clover, Lemos de Sousa, Shelley Birkett and Matt Crawley (reserve).

Some of the trainers are former jockeys and still ride work, notably Kelleway, Haynes, De Sousa, Pearce and Birkett.

Race conditions are subject to BHA approval, but it is proposed to be capped at a maximum field of 16 runners, with three reserves. The contest will take place over a mile with a flag start, while whips are to be carried but not used in the backhand position. 

Patton added: “The weights agreed are 11st 7lb with a maximum of 12st and riders must be BHA licensed Newmarket trainers who submit a Heath Tax return. They must have their own insurance and complete a fitness test at the British Racing School (BRS) seven weeks prior to the race and then be assessed by a BRS coach.”

Last year the Open Weekend raised a record sum of more than £89,000 for charity.

Charlie Fellowes: chairman of Henry Cecil Open WeekendCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Patton added: “Riders must agree to meet the minimum sponsorship pledge of £1,000 and their horses must be registered with the BHA and rated between 0-75 on the Flat, and be three-year-olds and upwards. They must be in training and must be from the same yard as the trainer/rider.”

One of those on the list is Kent, who trains on the Hamilton Road. He said: “I put my name forward for the race. It sounds like a lot of fun and I wouldn’t be taking it too seriously, but trainers by nature have a competitive spirit, so I can imagine some might be up for it.“

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