Ladies line up for Cheltenham charity race

Twelve lady riders will be taking part in a charity race at the Cheltenham Festival this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Georgie Browne, partner of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, Camilla Henderson (pictured), daughter of trainer Nicky, Elisabeth Murdoch daughter of media tycoon Rupert, and Britain’s youngest female racehorse trainer — Amy Weaver, are taking part.

The 12 women must provide their own mounts, as well as each raising at least £5,000.

The race, the first charity race to be held at the Festival in 10 years, will be over one mile five furlongs on the flat and will be held at 5.15pm on Ladies’ Day of the Festival (18 March).

Georgie, who rides out dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded every day, is 9-4 favourite with bookies Paddy Power.

“Last time I rode at Cheltenham it was in a camel race so I’m hoping this time I will go a bit faster,” she told H&H.

Elisabeth Murdoch, who has competed up to intermediate level in eventing, added: “It’s going to be an amazing thrill to ride round Cheltenham.”

Cheltenham’s managing director, Edward Gillespie, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the thrill of riding at the Festival, but more importantly, it will raise a significant amount of money for a worthy cause.”

Orna Madden, Elaine Curran, Rachael Kane, Helen Needham, Anne Marie Adams, Germaine Oliver, Kate Doyle and Caitrin O’Rourke will also be taking up the reins.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (11 February, ’10)

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