A CHARITY raceday will mark the end of the Hereford Racecourse fixture list culminating in a flat race where each rider will raise a minimum of £1,500.

St Michael’s Hospice has teamed up with Hereford Racecourse on March 26 for the inaugural St Michael’s Hospice Charity Raceday.

The highlight of the day will be a one-mile and four furlongs Charity Flat Race to raise funds for the local charity, in addition to a 100 metre Charity Dash.

Restricted to 12 riders who must each pledge to raise a minimum £1,500 for charity.

The day will start with a race of a different kind, a 100m Dash (running race) on the finish straight.

Rebecca Davies, Executive Director of Hereford Racecourse, said: “Sadly my father passed away four years ago when I experienced first-hand the incredible and inspiring work of hospices. I recently had a tour of St Michael’s Hospice and defy anyone to leave there without feeling enormously humbled and moved by their work.

“Quite how I have ended up agreeing to run in the 100m Dash I am not sure! However, anything I can do in a professional or personal capacity to support this wonderful charity will be time well spent. I’ll be calling on a few others I know to don their running spikes and join me in the Dash!”

Paddy Nugent, Community Fundraising Manager for St Michael’s Hospice will also take part in the race alongside Davies.

He said: “The opportunity to partner with Hereford Racecourse on such a significant event is something that excites us very much.

“During a recent planning meeting we had the fun idea of a 100m Dash and I look forward to taking Rebecca on!

There are various sponsorship opportunities available, including the Charity Race and Dash, and we would love to hear from anyone interested in supporting the day”

The Charity Flat race will take place after the last race and riders must be qualified to participate as per the RCA Guidance on Charity Races.

Applications to ride close on November 30 and riders will be informed by mid-December if their application has been successful.

For further details and an application form please email sph.oliver@btinternet.com

The entry fee for the 100-metre Charity Dash is £150.

Charity Lunch tickets and tables can be booked direct through www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk or for further information please call Hereford Racecourse on 01432 273 560.