The 80-year-old jockey aiming to become oldest winner of historic Newmarket race

Eighty-year-old former jump jockey Colin Moore will seek to contribute his own piece of history to one of Britain's most historic races as he bids to become the oldest winner of the Newmarket Town Plate on Saturday on his own horse Ballyrath.

Moore will be cheered on by young grandson Ralph, who inspired his participation in the race – inaugurated by King Charles II in 1666 – after a battle with serious illness earlier in the year.

The ex-jockey is aiming to raise £500 for Alder Hey children's hospital, which looked after Ralph in February, and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

"They did a great job and I just felt like I wanted to help them," said Moore. "Ralph's ordeal has definitely helped act as an inspiration for doing this year's race."

'I still get a buzz out of it'

Despite his only winner coming in 1961, Moore has remained devoted to racing and continues to ride out every day.

"I've been riding out a hell of a lot at Gary Hanmer's where Ballyrath is now based [12 miles south of Chester]. I've been riding up to six lots a day and in that heat a few weeks ago it was a bit of a killer.

"Apart from riding I have an exercise bike and I go out on the road bike as well. I do a little bit of weight training as well.

"I do sometimes think why am I doing it because of my age, but it just feels right. I still get a buzz out of it, even riding work."

Ballyrath: 12-year-old 'has been an absolute cracker for us' says Town Plate rider MooreCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

On Saturday he will ride 12-year-old gelding Ballyrath, a surprise 66-1 winner at Wetherby in January, but Moore admits victory rests on whether the veteran is in the right frame of mind.

"If he turns up thinking 'I fancy this', he'll go close. If he's not in the mood he won't," said Moore.

Ballyrath and Moore also face the added challenge of a reduced race distance, down from its usual distance of 3m6f to 2m1f due to watering restrictions imposed after the driest summer since 1976.

"The odds are probably against him now with it going to two miles one as he is a good stayer and would've appreciated the longer trip," he said.

Moore, for whom victory would mean "everything", added: "I think I'd be quite emotional and I'd probably cry if I did win, especially with Ralph being there and with it being on old Ballyrath, who has been an absolute cracker for us.

"Lester Piggott was my idol but he wouldn't show any emotion apart from a smile, and I'd definitely do more than that!"

To make a donation, click here for Alder Hey and here for the Injured Jockeys Fund

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