Primary School teacher Luci Hughes takes trophy for the Ernest Cooper Macmillan ‘Ride of their Lives’ charity race at York

The annual Macmillan Charity race at York stage last Friday was won by Luci Hughes aboard  Midnite Bride, trained by Kevin Ryan. Luci raised over £10,000 for the charity that supports those living with cancer. She is from Stokesley, Yorkshire and used to ride in point-to-points,  and since having two children and is now a primary school teacher. She competed in the ‘Ride of their Lives’ race to raise as much money as she could for the charity and to take on the challenge of getting into competitive race riding again.

This famous charity race consisted of twelve amateur riders who had to complete months of intensive jockey training. The race was meant to be held in June 2020 but owing to the pandemic was pushed back 15 months. The group, which included a showjumper, veterinary assistant and occasional stand-up comedian has raised over £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of York’s partnership with the charity, and the racecourse hope to raise over £250,000 in 2021. 

 “I feel absolutely amazing, I’m so delighted to win the race, said Luci Hughes. “Every rider has been amazing, and it’s been a pleasure to undertake the ‘Ride of Their Lives’ challenge with every one of them.

“It’s great to have the support from my family and friends here today, I just wish my grandad was here to see me win, too.”

Clara White, Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire, added: “Everyone at Macmillan would like to extend our thanks and congratulate the amateur riders on raising £150,000, this phenomenal amount will make a massive difference to people living with cancer right here in Yorkshire.

“Our association with York Racecourse stretches back over 50 years and an incredible £9 million has been raised through this wonderful partnership. We are so appreciative of everyone’s hard work and generous support.

“Macmillan Cancer Support receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on donations – we simply couldn’t help the growing number of people who need us, without the support and generosity of the riders and everyone who has supported them in their fundraising.”

“Every penny raised will go towards Macmillan’s Yorkshire Appeal, helping people living with cancer across the region, and it’s no exaggeration to say people with cancer have never needed the support more than they do right now.”