Elliott to ride in St Patrick's Day Derby

Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliott will be one of the 12 riders to take part in the St Patrick's Day Derby at the Cheltenham Festival in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The Flat race, over one mile and five furlongs, takes place on Thursday, March 17 with Henry Cecil the guest of honour.

Cecil said: "I was delighted and honoured to be invited by Cheltenham to get involved in the St Patrick's Day Derby.

"I've always admired the wonderful sport at the Festival from afar, but this will be my first ever visit to the meeting and I am looking forward to sampling the atmosphere at first hand.

"Cancer is an illness that touches most families at some point and my family is no different, so it will be marvellous to be able to play a small part in helping to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, a charity which does so much to help the fight against this disease."

The riders, six men and six women, selected from numerous applications, exhibit a wide range of equestrian skills and experience and represent both Britain and Ireland.

Among the 12 riders are, Elliott, Alice Plunkett, a presenter on Channel 4 Racing, Lorna Fowler a presenter for Racing UK, Ruby Walsh's brother-in-law Killian McCarthy, Guy O'Callaghan, who lives and works at Yeomanstown Stud in Co Kildare, Rachel Wyse, a Sky Sports News presenter, Andrew (Frostie) Kelly, an Irish jockeys' agent and Niamh Flynn, a Marketing Executive for Tattersalls Ireland.

The Racecourse's Managing Director, Edward Gillespie, said: "This will be the last time for several years that St Patrick's Day is on a Festival race day and the occasion will be marked by a series of events and displays with a uniquely Irish feel.

"The Cheltenham team is hoping that the special charity race and the presence of Henry Cecil will add further interest to what is already a spectacular day of high-class Jump racing.

"It is a privilege for us to be welcoming Henry to the Festival for a Derby of a slightly different nature, especially one that is being run in aid of such a good cause."

Jools Tait, Director of Partnerships of Cancer Research UK, added: "We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting addition to The Festival 2011.

"Last year's charity race on Ladies Day helped us to raise over £150,000 at Cheltenham and, with the generous support of Henry Cecil, we are hoping to exceed that figure this year.

"The money raised will make a real difference to the vital work of our scientists, doctors and cancer patients both now and in the future. We wish all participants the best of luck and hope that they enjoy the day."