A GRUELLING fitness trial confirmed the final line up for the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives charity race next week as the riders were put through their paces.

After months of intense jockey training, and a Covid-enforced delay of 15 months, the jockeys faced one final fitness challenge to ensure it was safe for them to ride thoroughbred racehorses at York Racecourse.

The twelve amateur jockeys took part in the test at jockey rehabilitation and fitness centre Jack Berry House in Malton, which included push ups, squats, muscle endurance, prone holds and quad bike exercises.

Ria Ginley, one of the amateur riders from Coulton near York, said: "The fitness test was intense and I’m just relieved it’s over and I’ve passed, I’m really excited for raceday now - it can’t come quick enough.

"I have genuinely loved every minute since being selected to take part, the training and the challenge has taken over my soul, I’m living and breathing this everyday at the moment.

"This is more than just a horse race. We’ve all committed to raising £3,000 for Macmillan and although I’ve found fundraising hard I’m motivated to do whatever it takes for this fabulous charity.

“I’m riding in memory of my best friend’s dad, Macmillan did so much to help him when he was unwell, and it made the world of difference to his family."

The twelve riders have collectively raised £108,000 and counting for Macmillan’s Yorkshire Appeal, providing vital support to people living with cancer in the region.

The Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives race, which was postponed from June 2020, will take place as part of a new race meeting at York Racecourse on Friday (September 24).

The race will coincide with the Macmillan’s flagship fundraising event Coffee Morning, which sees people come together to raise funds for people living with cancer.