A racing enthusiast is swapping the gym for the saddle by lining up in this year’s Macmillan Ride of their Lives at York Races, with a helping paw from Sunderland Stadium.
Danny Hague is Head of Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning at Jack Berry House in Malton, one of three centres operated by the Injured Jockeys Fund.
For one day only, the 43-year-old will ditch the gym for less conventional surroundings when he is one of 12 amateur jockeys taking part in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of their Lives on June 13.
The Scarborough local hopes to raise £8,000 for the charity, which provides physical, emotional and financial support to those living with cancer.
Unique feeling
And to help him on his way, Sunderland Stadium will transform into a sea of green on Friday, April 10, by hosting a special fundraiser in support of Danny’s challenge.
It will mark the first time Danny has been trackside at the Newcastle Road venue, which is gearing up for the 18th running of the £12,500 Arena Racing Company Grand Prix on April 17.
Danny said: “My daughter has a pony and rides, I just thought, why not.
“I had my first riding lessons last September and the jockeys I work with at Jack Berry House have been onto me for years to do a charity race.
“Before January, I had never sat on a racehorse and it is a unique feeling.
“Jackie (Teal, Sunderland trainer) has been a friend of the family for many years and mentioned how Sunderland Stadium has been fantastic at supporting fundraisers over the years, so we’re looking forward to our first trip to the greyhounds.
“We’re well-versed in horse racing, but are total novices to the greyhounds and can’t wait for the occasion.”
Connection
Like so many, Danny’s connection to Macmillan is personal after his father was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2018.
He has since made a full recovery, with Danny now wishing to give back.
“Macmillan were fantastic through the whole process,” said Danny.
“Ride of their Lives was an opportunity I just couldn’t turn away. I’ve supported many jockeys back into the saddle, and now the roles are being reversed.
“There are nerves and excitement in equal measure. But ultimately, if we can raise lots of cash from the event, it will be so worth it.”
If you’d like to support Danny’s Ride of their Lives fundraising, click here.
Tickets for Sunderland Stadium’s race night on Friday, April 10 – featuring the semifinals of the Arena Racing Company Grand Prix – are available via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 5.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.23pm.
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