THE riders taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime charity horse race on Knavesmire have been getting tips from a former champion jockey.

Kevin Darley held a masterclass in the weighing room at York Racecourse for the 12 lucky amateurs who will be taking part in the Macmillan Charity Race at York on Saturday.

Mr Darley said: “From a rider’s perspective York is one of the best courses in the country. You have nearly five furlongs in the straight and it’s a very fair track. If you have the best horse you should win it.”

One of the 12 riders taking tips from Mr Darley was Edmund Collins, 64, a vet from Welburn, near Castle Howard.

He said: “I used to race as an amateur, but it’s 33 years since I have ridden in a race. I’m feeling fantastic about it.”

As well as the masterclass, the riders were put through their paces on an Equisisor, a mechanical horse. The afternoon also involved watching video clips of races, a slide show on racecourse procedures and advice for riding the race and getting round the course.

Aged from 20 to 64, the group also represents many walks of life as two vets, a television presenter and a dentist all feature. Each has pledged £2,500 to the charity. The Macmillan Charity Race is under starter’s orders at 1.20pm.