THE BIGGEST names in horse racing gathered for a charity event which raised over £10,500 for St Michael's Hospice.

To celebrate the return of jump racing at Hereford Racecourse its Rusty Bridge Restaurant held a sell-out event last month which was attend by champion jockey Richard Johnson along with trainer and former champion jockey Peter Scudamore.

“It was a fantastic evening for a very worthy charity,” said Rebecca Davies, executive director at Hereford Racecourse.

“I have had first-hand experience of the work of hospices through my father’s terminal illness and the respite and care they provide for their patients, and equally as important to their families is just staggering.

"Having been exposed to the humbling work of them I was very pleased that the racing community came together and raised such a substantial amount for their fantastic work.”

The event was the brainchild of BBC Racing Correspondent Cornelius Lysaght who was born and brought up in Herefordshire.

He said: “Through my own experience I know the incredible work of St Michael’s Hospice and the evening was a small way of repaying some of the care they have shown towards my family previously.

"It is a very worthy charity that benefits so many people I am thrilled that collectively we managed to raise nearly £11,000 for them.

"It was so good, maybe we’ll do it again another time!”