Every year the AJA support various charities by organising charity races which are run outside the Rules of Racing.  Riders come from a variety of backgrounds and are of all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of experience, ability and age.  There is  a lower age limit of 16.  Our oldest jockey ever was the late John Ciechanowski, an exceptional man, ex-professional jockey and Vice President of the AJA, who took part in Newbury’s 2005 race at the age of 83!  Above all, jockeys must be race fit to take part.  All charity races are run on the Flat.

Riders who are proficient in the saddle are asked to provide their own horses, which must have run at least twice either under Rules or in point-to-points.  Please note that the AJA cannot be responsible for providing horses.  If riders cannot prove their ability by their riding history or by a reference from a licensed Trainer, they must attend an assessment day at either The British Racing School in Newmarket or The Northern Racing College in Doncaster.   If they are in the regular employment of a Licensed Trainer and regularly riding work, exceptions can be made.  Riders must pass a racecourse doctor before the race to ensure that they are fit for the task.

Licensed amateur jockeys (and point-to-point jockeys) are welcome to take part in charity races as it is an opportunity to gain race riding experience.  Sour horses and inexperienced horses and jockeys can also benefit, with races started by flag rather than stalls and runners restricted to a maximum field of 12. On more than one occasion a jaded horse has been sweetened up to go on and win on the racecourse next time out!

Sponsorship levels vary from race to race but we usually ask riders to aim for a goal of £1,000.  Riders can boost their monies raised by asking their sponsors to donate on- line through the Just Giving or/and Virgin Money Giving websites.  This automatically adds Gift Aid (tax relief on money donated to UK charities).

 If you are interested in taking part in a charity race being organised by the AJA, please contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or e-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com

CHARITY RACES 2012:

CHELTENHAM:  Thursday 15th March St Patrick’s Day Derby at Cheltenham Festival in aid of CANCER RESEARCH UK.  Over the last 2 years riders have raised over £400,000!  Once again this year the riders (ladies and gentlemen) are asked to raise a minimum of £5,000 each; weight 11 stone 10 lbs over 1m 5f.  FULLY SUBSCRIBED.  If you are interested in applying for this race in 2013, please e-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com and you will be sent an application form later this year.

NEWBURY in aid of SPINAL INJURIES ASSOCIATION with annual SIA charity lunch and auction prior to racing.  Over £20,000 was raised by riders for this ever popular charity raceday in 2011.  This raceday is taking a sabbatical in 2012 because of the Olympics but will return in 2013.  Riders will be asked to raise £2,000 each for SIA; weight 11 stone 7 lbs over 1m 5f.

NEWMARKET:  Saturday 18th August in aid of RACING WELFARE and the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY OPERATIONAL CASUALTIES FUND over the July Course.  Riders (ladies and gentlemen) are asked to raise a minimum of £5,000 each; weight 12 stone over 7f.   If YOU would like to take part, please e-mail Sarah Oliver sph.oliver@btinternet.com for an application form but don’t delay as applications close on 15th May!  Please call 01886 884488 if you have any queries.

CHELTENHAM:  Sunday 18th November as the final race of the 3 day Open meeting in aid of GREATWOOD.  Riders raised over £25,000 in 2010 and over £35,000 in 2011!  Riders are asked to raise £2,500 minimum each; weight 12 stone over 1m 5f.  If YOU would like to take part, please e-mail Sarah Oliver sph.oliver@btinternet.com for an application form but don’t delay as places are already filling up!

 Other charity races known to us being planned for 2012:

YORK:  Saturday 16th June: The first of its kind to be held there this summer in aid of Macmillan Nurses.  Riders are asked to raise £2,500; weight 11 stone 7 lbs over 1m 1f. If interested in taking part please e-mail charlotte.cundall@yorkracecourse.co.uk or call Charlotte on 01904 620911 by Monday 2nd April.

ASCOT:  BHEST:  Please contact gemma@bhest.co.uk for details; as at 5th April all places and reserves filled

NEWBURY:  Please contact Newbury Racecourse for details; places available

GOODWOOD:  Celebrity charity race - details unknown - please contact Goodwood racecourse for details

5 COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE RACES FOR REPEAL 2012:  ASCOT 1ST APRIL, HEREFORD 15TH MAY, UTTOXETER 19TH MAY, NEWMARKET 8TH JUNE, and WETHERBY 28TH NOVEMBER.  For more information visit www.countryside-alliance.org.uk/ca/article/race-for-repeal-the-2012-challenges