Rugby league star brings fight against motor neurone disease to the racetrack

Rugby league player Rob Burrow's public fight against motor neurone disease is taking to the racecourse with a horse running for the cause.

Burrow Seven has been named after the number worn by the former Leeds Rhinos star and will race for Middleham-based trainer Jedd O'Keeffe.

In less than a year Burrow, 38, has lost his voice and ability to walk, has difficulty breathing and is in severe pain from stiff joints.

The public can join the Burrow Seven Racing Club for £59 a head on their website, with profits going to the MND Association and contributing to research into finding a cure for motor neurone disease.

Burrow Seven is trained by Jedd O'KeeffeCredit: Richard Addison

Friend and fellow former player Barrie McDermott is an ambassador for Burrow's Fightback Fund and said: "It's hard to come up with ideas for fundraising events in an era of Covid but we think we've hit upon something original, inclusive and exciting with Burrow Seven.

"Rob was a thoroughbred on the pitch. No one could match his speed. He was consistently a front runner for the match-winning try and always a banker for man of the match!"

Burrow himself met the three-year-old Burrow Seven last week and said: "I'm really honoured to have him named after me and I can’t wait to see him in his first race. Thank you to everyone who supports the MND Association by taking part. Research is the key to cure this disease. Together we can do it."

Burrow's father Geoff Burrow added: "Meeting this special horse meant so much to Rob. His late grandad, Bobby Bateman, loved horses and used to spend hours reading the form books before having a flutter. If Bobby knew that Rob had a thoroughbred named after him he would be over the moon!”

Burrow Seven was pre-trained by Henrietta Knight, who forecast: "Burrow Seven is a special young horse. He's a natural jumper, comes from a very good family, and I think he has a huge amount of potential. He's definitely a horse I like."

More to read:

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'The cotton wool didn't do a bad job!' – Henrietta Knight answers your questions

'Although Al Boum Photo has won two Gold Cups, he's not a top-class jumper'

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