A FORMER jockey is getting back in the saddle following a brush with cancer to take part in the biggest charity race day in the world.

Steve Charlton, from High Etherley near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, is one of 12 taking part in Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual race at York Racecourse.

The 61-year-old, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, was a professional jockey until he retired in 1986 but has only ridden a handful of times since.

He said: “It’s going to be quite a challenge to be fit enough to do it justice.

“I was going to start on March 1 to give me three full months but we all met at York yesterday and a lot of the others are already riding out furiously and getting fit so I don’t want to lag behind. I might have to bring it forward a few weeks.

“I’ve ridden a few times at York when I was an apprentice but I’ve never had a winner there. I’m hoping this will be it.”

This year’s event on Saturday, June 11, will be the 46th year it has taken place – making it the oldest charity race day in the world.

The riders will all be competing to win in front of 25,000 people and have all pledged to raise at least £2,500 for Macmillan.

Mr Charlton, who is jockey valet, was inspired to take part being diagnosed with a tumour between his bladder and kidney in 2011.

He said: “Mine was a fairly minor brush with it but it was a shock. They’re a great organisation and they’re there to answer your questions. It’s nice to know they’re on the end of a phone and you can get as much help as you want. I saw the race last year and I thought it would be good to do. I’ll be coming up to 62 on race day so it was a now or never thing.”

Ahead of the challenge all the jockeys will be getting expert riding tuition at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster and will have a training day with former champion jockey Kevin Darley. Nikki Denton, Special Events Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re so grateful these 12 amateur riders are taking on such a huge physical challenge to raise money for Macmillan. Money raised for Macmillan helps fund our vital services which are there for anyone affected by cancer.”

To purchase tickets for Macmillan Charity Raceday, visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk