One of the races at Wetherby tomorrow is being sponsored by retired North Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby and his wife Marjorie to raise awareness and understanding about epilepsy because their nine-year-old granddaughter Anne-Marie Fahey has epilepsy.

Anne-Marie, who loves riding, is the daughter of Butterwick, near Malton, racing trainer Richard Fahey and his wife Leila, who is Peter and Marjorie Easterby's daughter.

The race the Easterbys are sponsoring is the Fund for Epilepsy Novices' Chase, to be run at 1.55pm.

"Last year we were amazed by the response to the televised race we sponsored at Doncaster," said Peter Easterby.

"We realise how important it is that epilepsy should not be hidden away and hope that the Wetherby race this year will again encourage others to learn more about this neglected condition that affects hundreds of thousands of children and adults in the UK and Ireland."

Leila Fahey, Anne-Marie's mother, said "Epilepsy is something that no one should be ashamed about. I hope that our family will encourage others to talk openly about how it affects them and that Anne-Marie, and all children with epilepsy, can grow up knowing that society understands.

"Champion Irish Jockey, Johnny Murtagh has kindly given his boots to auction. A bid of £3,000 has already been received and we hope that this might be exceeded by the deadline of December 9. To bid for the boots call 0906 864 8644."