Cheltenham Charity race riders announced

The jockeys that will line up for next year's St Patrick's Derby, which takes place during The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse have been announced and among the number was leading sports presenter, Rishi Persad.

The fifth renewal of the charity race, which has raised over £800,000 so far for Cancer Research UK, sees a line-up of jockeys from all walks of life, some of whom currently work in racing and others that have careers outside the sport.

Alongside Persad, the riders are Morgan Stanley banker Kieran Ryan; Development Director at Great British Racing Nigel Roddis; Dubai-based Sheikh Samir Mirdad; Emma Cook who works at Cheltenham Racecourse; Michelle Turner a Director at Pertemps; Point-to-Point enthusiast Heather Kemp; Co Wexford trainer Bernadette Murphy; assistant trainer to David Bridgwater, Lucy Bridgwater; Co Meath businessman Douglas Taylor; student Tom O'Neill and Cheltenham businesswoman Alexia Buckwell.

Sophia Brudenell, Communications Manager at Cheltenham Racecourse, commented: "We had a huge number of entries for next year's St Patrick's Derby and it was therefore really difficult to pick the 12 chosen riders.

"We wanted to ensure that we have a mix of people riding from both the racing industry and those who ride either as a hobby or in another equine sport. People of all ages are participating and both sides of the Irish Sea are well represented.

"I really hope that next year's race will push the total amount of money raised by Cheltenham for Cancer Research UK to over £1 million, which would be an amazing feat in the five years of the partnership."

Frances Milner, Director of Supporter Led Fundraising for Cancer Research UK, added: "We are delighted that for the fifth year running Cancer Research UK will have the honour of benefitting from such a special charity flat race at The Festival.

"In previous years, we have been astounded by the race's participants; from their personal motivations for wanting to race, the quality of their riding and of course their fantastic fundraising efforts. The money raised at The Festival will help us bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

"We don't receive any government funding, so every step towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated. We wish all of the participants the best of luck and we look forward to welcoming them over the finish line."