‘Amazing opportunity’: chance to ride on Grand National course with top jockey
Wannabe jockeys are being given the chance to ride their own horse up close to the Grand National fences at Aintree in October alongside top amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, on Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run.
This “once in a lifetime opportunity” is available for the successful bidder at a charity auction at the world-famous racecourse on Sunday, 23 October.
The lot — billed “the ride of your life” — has been kindly donated by the Waley-Cohen family with all proceeds to be split between the Injured Jockeys Fund — H&H‘s charity of the year — and the Countryside Alliance Foundation.
“It will be an amazing experience for whoever is the lucky bidder for this unique lot,” explained Robert Waley-Cohen.
The ride will take place on Fox Hunters’ day during the 2017 Grand National meeting. It does not include taking on the National fences, however Sam — who has the best record over the course since 1945, with six wins — will give an insight on how to approach every jump, including the daunting Chair.
The Countryside Alliance lunch and auction — at which there will be a variety of other exciting lots on offer — will take place on the Countryside race day at the Liverpool course.
In addition to a full racecard, racegoers can enjoy taking part in other country pursuits at the course, however the highlight for many will be the charity race which takes place before the day’s main events.
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A number of recognised faces from the hunting world, including former Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania, will line up to take on 1m5f on the flat.
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Ryan, who is currently master and huntsman of the Berwickshire Hunt, said he was looking forward to getting back in the saddle.
“It’s a huge thrill to be heading back to Aintree, although I’m on a strict diet ensuring I can make the weight and will be very disappointed if I don’t win,” he told H&H.
For further details regarding the Countryside Alliance hospitality tickets, call 020 7840 9207 or email tickets@countryside-alliance.org
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Polly joined the Horse & Hound team in summer 2013. A former senior master of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, her hunting knowledge and contacts are second to none. She left Horse & Hound at the end of 2016 to join The Hunting Office.