Every year the AJA support various charities by organising charity races (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 no upper age limit and our oldest jockey to date is John Ciechanowski, Vice President of the AJA, who took part in Newbury’s 2005 race at the age of 83.

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. If riders cannot prove their standard of equestrianism by their experience, they must attend an assessment day at either The British Racing School in Newmarket or The Northern Racing College in Doncaster.

Amateurs and point-to-point jockeys who hold a licence are also invited to take part in charity races if they have not ridden a winner under Rules. This is an excellent introduction to the racecourse for inexperienced jockeys. Sour or inexperienced horses 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 had his racing interest restored having enjoyed taking part in a charity race and has been sweetened up to go on and win next time out!

For 2007 the following charity races remain:

If you are interested in taking part in a charity race, please contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or e-mail sph.oliver@btopenworld.com

Do not delay as places are already filling up! Sponsorship levels vary from race to race but we usually ask riders to aim for a goal of £1,000.