Love Island star Chris Hughes set to become a jockey in Coral link-up

Love Island couple Chris Hughes and Olivia Attwood are to step out regularly at the year's major race meetings after becoming official ambassadors for bookmaker Coral, with Hughes set to ride at York this summer in a charity race.

The pair, who met on the most recent series of Love Island – the surprise smash television hit of last summer that drew 2.9 million viewers for the final – will promote the Coral brand under the strapline #LoveRacing.

Hughes, from Gloucestershire, is a keen racegoer and well connected within horseracing, counting jockeys and trainers as friends, and was involved in the promotion of British Champions Day last year.

As part of his new role Hughes, who can already ride, will be learning to race-ride under the tutelage of former jockey-turned-trainer and near neighbour Jonjo O'Neill, having been accepted to take part in the Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives charity race at York on June 16.

Hughes and Attwood, a former F1 grid girl who has recently spoken on that subject after their axing, saying her experience was "entirely positive", will do promotional work throughout the season, including personal appearances and social media campaigns around the major fixtures, including the Cheltenham Festival, Grand National meeting, Derby and Royal Ascot, much of it shared on social media and Coral TV.

Chris Hughes with partner Olivia Attwood: 'I always wanted to become a jockey as a kid'

Hughes said: "I love horseracing and grew up riding with my friends in Cheltenham. I’m really excited to be working with Coral and very grateful to Jonjo O’Neill for his support as I prepare for the charity race at York.

"I always wanted to become a jockey as a kid, and Coral are helping make my dream come true. But I don’t just want to take part – I want to really go for it and try to win my first race as a jockey."

Attwood said: "Working with Coral feels really natural for me and Chris, as we really love horses. And I’m a big fan of the races. I’m really looking forward to enjoying the season this year."

Hughes is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in the build-up to his race via

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