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Carlisle’s second annual Red Rum Day will celebrate the legendary feats of the world’s best loved steeplechaser – and support racing’s many unsung heroes.

Red Rum famously prepared for each of his three Grand National wins in the 1970s by first winning Carlisle’s Windermere Handicap Chase.

The landmark three-mile chase, held on Carlisle’s first jumps meeting of the season, was resurrected last year to mark 40 years since Rummy’s last winner in Cumbria in 1976.

And the Windermere Handicap Chase returns this year on Thursday October 19th with Carlisle Racecourse today launching a search for a race sponsor. All proceeds will go to Racing Welfare, the registered charity which supports British horseracing’s workforce.

The sponsorship is open to individuals or companies who will have the race named after them and every penny raised will go to help racing’s dedicated stable and support staff.

To submit a bid to sponsor the Windermere Handicap Chase please email Geraldine.McKay@thejockeyclub.co.uk or call the racecourse on 01228 554700. Bids must be submitted by 5pm Thursday October 12th

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “We are very proud of our connection to Red Rum and last year’s Red Rum Day was such a huge success we wanted to make it an annual event.

“This year we wanted to create something more than a tribute to the world’s most famous steeplechaser – we wanted to celebrate and support the many unsung heroes in our sport.

“Racing Welfare offers crucial guidance and practical help to the many hundreds of stable and support staff whose dedication is vital, for not only the success but also the well-being of our wonderful sport.

“Racing in this country would simply not happen without these fantastic people, many of who live away from home throughout their careers and give so much to the sport.

“Red Rum was a true star of racing who made headlines the world over. We think it is a fitting tribute that his name and fame should live on and help support the behind the scenes staff who help create such legends.”

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Carlisle have chosen to support Racing Welfare through this exciting sponsorship opportunity by celebrating the legendary steeplechaser Red Rum.

“We greatly appreciate Carlisle’s support in recognising all the dedicated staff working behind the scenes of British horseracing.”

Red Rum prepared for each of his National wins (1973, 1974 and 1977) by riding a winner at Carlisle’s first autumn meeting. A win in Cumbria – in 1972, 1973 and 1976 – was certainly a good omen as when Rummy failed to triumph over the jumps at Carlisle in the autumn he then failed to win at Aintree.

Last year’s Windermere Handicap Chase was won by Carrigdhoun. The dashing grey is trained by Carlisle-based Maurice Barnes who himself rode Rubstic to victory in the 1979 Grand National.

As well as the stars on the track this year, it is the racegoers who make Red Rum Day so special.

And this year Carlisle Racecourse is offering 25% off the normal price of admission to all racegoers who get in the spirit and “Wear Red For Rummy”, be that a red frock, scarf, tie or hat!

Tickets for Red Rum Day at Carlisle Racecourse – Thursday October 19th – are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). Gates open at 12.10pm. First race is 2.10pm. Last race is 5.25pm.

To submit a bid to sponsor the Windermere Handicap Chase please email Geraldine.McKay@thejockeyclub.co.uk or call the racecourse on 01228 554700. Bids must be submitted by 5pm Thursday October 12th.

The world’s most successful musical theatre group Collabro are to give all proceeds from the release of their first ever single ‘Lighthouse’ to Save the Children’s Emergency Fund in wake of Hurricane Irma.

Collabro singer Michael Auger was caught at the centre of the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, where winds of up to 185mph tore through the Caribbean and Florida – leaving dozens dead, thousands homeless and entire communities shattered.

After witnessing the terrible destruction first hand as Irma hit the Caribbean island of Saint Martin where Michael was on holiday, he has joined bandmates Jamie Lambert, Matt Pagan and Thomas Redgrave in pledging to raise money for Save The Children’s Emergency Fund which helps bring aid to children affected by war and disasters around the world.

Lighthouse – which was co-written by the band and Ben Adams of A1 – is a beautifully poignant message of being a shining beacon of hope and help.

It is available to digitally download on FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22^nd with 100% of all money raised from the release going to Save the Children’s Emergency Fund which mobilises emergency teams in times of crisis, allowing them to assess situations and get life-saving food, shelter and medicines straight to where they are most urgently needed.

Michael, who is now back in the UK, said: “The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Irma is truly heart-breaking for the people of the Caribbean and Florida.

“I know I was very lucky to escape unharmed but there are many thousands of people who have lost everything and will feel the effects of this disaster for years to come.”

Jamie, Matt and Thomas added: “After what Michael went through, and the terrible pictures we’ve all seen on TV of the devastation wrought by Irma, we wanted to do something to help those affected by natural disasters like this, around the world. We have decided to release Lighthouse as our first ever single and give all proceeds to Save The Children.

“The message of the song, being a beacon of hope wherever you are, we felt was very fitting as natural disasters like this affect people both directly and indirectly. Save The Children does amazing work around the world and are a beacon of hope for young people and families caught up in war and natural disasters.

“We hope loads of people download the track. Every penny raised will go to Save The Children and help those so badly affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Irma and its devastating aftermath.”

Save The Children’s Executive Director of Fundraising, Claire Rowney, said: “There are always a multitude of risks to children during emergencies such as Irma—including the chance of separation from parents and the psychological impacts of natural disaster.

“That’s why we are so grateful to Collabro and their fans as they will be raising vital money for emergencies around the world. Every download of ‘Lighthouse’ means that we can continue to mobilise teams and reach the most vulnerable families at times of crisis.”

Collabro first rose to prominence in 2014 when they won Britain’s Got Talent. Since then they have released a Number 1 debut album “Stars”, followed by “Act Two” which peaked at Number 2 in the charts in 2015 and their third Top 10 studio album “Home”.

Cuffe and Taylor’s partnership with Scarborough Borough Council to stage live music events at Europe’s largest open-air theatre has been secured for another decade.

The renewed long-term partnership between the concert promoters and the local authority, which lasts until 2028, has been made possible after Scarborough Borough Council agreed a new 10-year deal with Cuffe and Taylor’s parent organisation, Live Nation Music (UK) Limited – the world’s leading live entertainment company.

The deal, which has now been finalised, secures an exciting future for Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which has once again enjoyed a record breaking year. More than 75,000 people attended concerts at the theatre in 2017 – a rise of 50% on 2016.

This summer’s 14 concerts at the Open Air Theatre have seen music fans from as far afield as Japan, USA, Hong Kong, Israel and Australia flock to the Yorkshire coast to see a fantastic line up of artists including Little Mix, Olly Murs, Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys and Jess Glynne.

It is now hoped there will be up to 20 live music events at Scarborough OAT between May and September in 2018.

Cuffe and Taylor have exclusively staged events at Scarborough OAT since 2016.

As well as looking to increase the number of shows, Cuffe and Taylor are now in discussions with the council about raising the attendance capacity at the Yorkshire coast venue by installing a permanent standing area in front of the stage.

Cuffe and Taylor Director Peter Taylor said: “We are delighted with the new and exclusive 10-year deal between Live Nation and Scarborough Borough Council to stage events at the theatre.

“Our partnership with the council has worked very well in the last two years and this new deal allows us to continue working together to secure a bright and exciting future for this marvellous venue.

“We have enjoyed two record breaking years since we took over programming live music events here in 2016, with attendances rising year-on-year. In 2017 sales again have broken all box office records.

“This new long-term deal enables all parties to plan even better for the future. The theatre is now on the map, with not only British artists but major international stars too, and we are determined to continue to bring the biggest and best acts to the beautiful Yorkshire coast.

“We are now working not only on next year’s line-up but on 2019 and beyond. We cannot wait to reveal another wonderful series of shows for next summer which we feel sure will break records again.”

Under the agreement, Cuffe and Taylor, who were acquired by Live Nation earlier this year, will continue to exclusively programme all live music events at the theatre while the council retains ownership and management of the venue.

The council will now work with Cuffe and Taylor to provide a permanent solution to cover the lake in front of the stage. The water was covered by temporary decking during the 2017 season.

Covering the lake will raise the attendance capacity of the venue from 5,454 to 7,456 (seated) or 7,900 (standing), increasing the venue’s flexibility and potentially higher revenue income.

Cllr Derek Bastiman, Leader of Scarborough Borough Council said: “Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a critical part of our visitor economy, helping to raise the profile of the Yorkshire coast as a great destination for quality live music and ultimately attracting more spending visitors to the area.

“The renewed partnership with Cuffe and Taylor, reached through our new agreement with Live Nation, allows us to plan for an exciting future at the venue. Working together, we will ensure that the venue continues to build on its success to date, attracts even more big name acts and brings even more economic benefits to the whole borough.”

In-form Keith Dalgleish has no fewer than seven runners set to feature at Carlisle’s penultimate flat meeting of the season on Wednesday (September 13).

The Carluke-based trainer leads the way this summer with eight victories from his 41 entries at Cumbria’s premier racecourse – two more than his nearest placed rival Michael Dods.

Among his seven runners on Wednesday’s eight-race card will be Saint Equiano who won under the control of Philip Makin at Carlisle back in July. Other Dalgleish runners to look out for will be three-year-old filly Eyreborn who was impressive running second at Hamilton a week ago.

Dods has two runners in the shape of Admiral Rooke in the 2.10 Watch Racing Uk Anywhere Nursery Handicap and Reinforced who was beaten by just a neck last time out at Carlisle on August 29.

Another in-form entry is the John Davies-saddled I’m Dapper Too who has won twice on the flat at Carlisle in 2017 before he was narrowly beaten here on August 23. The six-year-old will again be under the control of Sam James in the 2.40 Watch Racing Uk On Sky 432 Handicap.

Trainer Mick Channon is sending Diamond Dougal on a 566-round trip from his West Ilsley stables as the two-year-old is looking to follow up a win at Bristol last week when he stayed on well over 5f.

Channon is also sending two-year-old Iconic Code and Ann Without An E. All three runners will be ridden by Graham Lee who has chalked up 53 wins to his name this season.

Fellow jockey Ben Curtis has had an excellent season at Carlisle – riding six winners –  and he has three entries in the shape of the Karl Burke-trained Wax and Wane and Lady Natasha and King’s Pavilion for David Barron.

Geraldine McKay, General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, said: “Once again we have eight cracking flat races lined up here.

“It is great to see Keith Dalgleish enter seven runners and it will be intriguing to see if he can continue his fine run of form here.

“There are plenty of runners here on Wednesday who have already tasted success and it will be a great way for many of them to round off their flat seasons with another win here in Cumbria.

“It has been a great summer of racing here and, after Wednesday, we have our final flat meeting on Monday September 18 before we welcome the return of the jumps season on Thursday October 19.”

Tickets for Wednesday’s meeting are £14 (in advance) or £17 (on the day). Under-17s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available by calling 0344 579 3002 or by going online at carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Gates open at 12.10pm. First race 2.10pm, last race 5.40pm.

The Military Wives Choirs are heading to cathedrals across the UK as part of their 12-date “Home For Christmas” Tour.

The choirs, all made up of wives and partners of Armed Forces personnel as well as women from the wider military community, will be delivering a festive treat from Wednesday November 22 when they begin their tour at the beautiful Worcester Cathedral.

The choirs will then perform at cathedrals and military churches across the UK:

Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff (23 November);  Wells Cathedral (24 November); Lichfield Cathedral (25 November); Southwell Minster (28 November); Ely Cathedral (29 November); St Clement Danes, Strand, London; 02 December); Truro Cathedral (03 December); Sheffield Cathedral (07 December); Peterborough Cathedral (09 December); St Michael’s, Tidworth Garrison Church, Wiltshire (16 December); Guildford Cathedral (18 December)

Tickets for the Home For Christmas Tour are priced from £27.50. They go on sale Friday September 1 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.militarywiveschoirs

Christmas is all about spending quality time with family and friends, yet this can be particularly tough for serving families when loved ones are away, unable to be together over the festive season. The exclusive concerts will bring together ladies from Military Wives Choirs across the UK who understand just how tricky this time of year can be, giving them the chance to stand stronger together and express themselves through song.

Guests can expect to hear plenty of their festive favourites as well as songs from the Military Wives Choirs’ own album Home for Christmas which will be available to purchase, allowing the audience to take that merry feeling away with them while showing their support for women in the military community.

Julia Hudson, Music and Performance Manager at the Military Wives Choirs, said: “We’re delighted that the Military Wives Choirs have the chance to go on tour again this year and perform in some absolutely stunning venues across the UK.

“For many ladies, the choir is more than just a chance to sing; it acts as a constant in amongst the unpredictability of life in the Forces. Our ethos is ‘sing, share, support’ and members often see their choir as a second family that they can depend on, especially at Christmas time.

“This tour celebrates the Military Wives Choirs family, bringing ladies from across many different choirs together at this special time of year to stand stronger together. We would encourage everyone to come and show their support for women in the military community this Christmas for a very special evening.”
With more than 70 Military Wives Choirs in military bases across the UK and overseas, the charity brings women in the community closer together through singing. Choirs are open to anyone with a military connection with no singing experience necessary, offering the chance for women to have fun and sing, share and support one another.

Last year the charity embarked on their first Home For Christmas Tour taking in cathedrals across the UK.

The 2017 tour is presented by event promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Cuffe and Taylor Director Peter Taylor said: “The Military Wives make up the nation’s most beloved choirs and we cannot wait for this tour to begin.

“The choirs are incredibly talented and unique in terms of their social purpose to bring together the wives and partners of servicemen and women.

“We were delighted to take the Military Wives Choirs around the UK last Christmas and the wonderful reaction from audiences they sang to will live long in the memory. This tour will be very popular around the UK so we advise booking your tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

Tickets for the Home For Christmas tour priced from £27.50 go on sale Friday September 1 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.militarywiveschoirs

Yes You will look to continue one of the hottest streaks in British flat racing as the three-year-old sprinter heads to Carlisle on Tuesday.

The Iain Jardine-saddled Irish filly has placed in every one of her six outings on the flat in 2017 – winning three of those. Her latest triumph was just five days ago over five furlongs here at Carlisle.

Yes You returns to Cumbria’s premier racecourse again under the command of Jamie Gormley who has 14 winners to his name this season.

They are paired in the Kingmoor Park Properties Handicap where they will face stiff competition from Short Work – a winner at Pontefract a week ago.

Four-year-old Short Work is one of five rides for in-form Daniel Tudhope (pictured above) who is currently eighth in the 2017 Stobart Jockeys Championship behind runaway leader Silvestre De Sousa.

Three of Tudhope’s other rides on the day are also David O’Meara-saddled entries – Undercover Brother, Bombay and Major Crispies – along with the John Quinn-trained Catastrophe. Four-year-old Catastrophe certainly does not live up to his name given he has placed in three of his last four outings.

Paul Mulrennan – who lies 12th in the Jockeys Championship with 72 winners to date – has two fancied runners in Tuesday’s seven race card.

They are the Michael Dods-trained Rossall in the Baines Wilson Llp Nursery Handicap and Han Solo Berger in the Armstrong Watson Novice Auction Stakes. Saddled by Keith Dalgleish, the Irish colt won by a nose last time out at Hamilton.

All races on Tuesday are named after local companies or organisations as part of Carlisle Youth Zone’s fourth annual fund-raising race day.

VIP tables for the day sold out more than four months in advance. All profits will be used to fund the “Get A Future” project which aims to identify and nurture Carlisle’s talented youngsters and find them an appropriate career path.

More than 250 people will attend a Champagne reception, which is being hosted by accountants, business and financial advisers, Armstrong Watson.

Geraldine McKay, General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, said: “We are looking forward to another wonderful day of racing here at Carlisle.

“Again, there are some intriguing match ups, none more so in the 5.15 when Yes You will look to carry on her hot streak and continue her winning form here at Carlisle.

“Away from the track we look forward to welcoming all those local organisations and companies who are supporting Carlisle Youth Zone’s annual fun-raising day.

“This is an important day which not only helps raise funding but also awareness of such a vital initiative as the Youth Zone. We are sure everyone will have a great day here.”

Tickets for Tuesday’s meeting £14 (in advance) or £17 (on the day). Under-17s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available by calling 0344 579 3002 or by going online at carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Gates open at 2.45pm. First race 4.45pm, last race 7.45pm.

Three of the stars of Carlisle’s #AmazingMonday meeting return to Cumbria on Wednesday – all aiming to continue their fine form at the track.

Rachel Richardson – who bagged two winners at Carlisle’s annual Ladies Day meeting on August 7 – has no fewer than five rides booked here on Wednesday.

And the in-form McCain sisters – Abbie and Ella – will look to follow up #AmazingMonday winners when they go head-to-head over six furlongs in the in the 5.25 Betfair Amateur Riders’ Handicap.

It will be a special moment for 16-year-old Ella, who is again partnered with her father Donald’s mount Dark Confidant. Ella made national headlines last month by charging through on the four-year-old at Carlisle to win in her first ever senior race.

Ella and Dark Confidant followed up their triumph at Carlisle with another impressive win at Thirsk last week.

They will be pushed all the way by Abbie, 17, a winner at #AmazingMonday on Diamonds A Dancing, on board John Riches’ Picks Pinta.

Richardson was one of the undoubted stars of #AmazingMonday – the UK’s only all-female jockey race meeting – securing a double on the Tim Easterby-saddled Parole and Suitcase’N’Taxi.

Four of her entries at Carlisle on Wednesday are again Easterby-trained rides.

Standout is Brother McGonagill in the 3.50 Watch Racing UK On The Go Handicap. The pairing romped home at Carlisle on July 14 over 1m1f and will be hoping to make it a fourth win in just three months on Wednesday following triumphs at Hamilton and Wetherby.

Elsewhere, Graham Lee has six rides including the Jennie Candlish-trained Show Palace who is looking to make it three wins on the bounce after recent wins at Nottingham and Haydock.

Expect Show Palace to be pushed hard by Richard Fahey’s Geoff Potts, an impressive length and a quarter winner last time out at Leicester

Wednesday’s meeting is the first of two fixtures at Carlisle in seven days as the action returns on Tuesday August 29 with what promises to be another bumper evening of racing.

Geraldine McKay, General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, said: “#AmazingMonday was just that – an amazing day with some brilliant racing featuring some of the UK’s finest up-and-coming female jockeys.

“We are delighted to welcome Rachel, Abbie and Ella back to Carlisle so soon after all notching winners here. Carlisle is quickly becoming something of a lucky track for all three jockeys and we’ll be looking closely to see if they can keep their fine form going here.

“We’ve had a great flat season at Carlisle with all the speed and drama you’d expect so we are really looking forward to these meetings on August 23 and then on Tuesday August 29 when evening racing returns.”

Gates open on Wednesday at 11.35am. First race 1.35pm, last race 5.25pm.
Gates open on Tuesday August 29 at 2.45pm. First race 4.45pm, last race 7.45pm.

Tickets for both meetings are £14 (in advance) or £17 (on the day). Under-17s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available by calling 0344 579 3002 or by going online at carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Chart-topper Jess Glynne brought a stunning summer season to a close at Scarborough Open Air Theatre as it was revealed more than 75,000 music fans were ‘Right Here’ at the beautiful Yorkshire Coast venue in 2017.

Triple Brit Award nominee Jess tonight delighted a 7,000-plus crowd at Europe’s largest open air theatre as she delivered a hit-packed set including Right Here, Hold My Hand, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself, Take Me Home and Rather Be.

It was the perfect finale to what has been a record-breaking year at Scarborough OAT with more than 75,000 music fans enjoying shows at the arena this summer.

The stellar OAT line up in 2017 has included Little Mix, Olly Murs, Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Cliff Richard, Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, The Jacksons, The Charlatans, Madness, George Benson, 80s v 90s night and UB40.

And as Jess Glynne left the stage to wild cheers from fans, Scarborough OAT promoters Cuffe and Taylor promised to make the 2018 season even bigger and better.

Cuffe and Taylor director Peter Taylor said: “We broke the attendance record in 2016, which was our first year programming the summer season at the OAT, and we are delighted to have done this again this year.

“We extended the programme to 14 shows from the 11 in 2016 and we are thrilled that more than 75,000 music fans have come to see an incredible line-up of artists this year.

“We pride ourselves on putting together a programme which we feel has something for everyone whether that is all-time greats, such as Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and The Beach Boys, to massive pop acts such as Little Mix, Olly Murs and Jess Glynne.

“Next year we are looking to bring even more mega stars to this wonderful venue. The planning for 2018 is well underway and we cannot wait to reveal who we have lined up to perform here next summer.

“We want to thank every single music fan who has bought a ticket to see a show at the OAT in 2017 and we hope to see you back here in 2018.”

Earlier this year, Scarborough Council approved an application to increase the number of concerts allowed at the OAT, between May and September, from 12 per year to 20, which will mean even more live music at the venue in 2018.

And tourism officials said they were looking forward to another record-breaking summer in 2018 with even more live music at the historic seaside venue.

Janet Deacon, Area Tourism Director for Welcome to Yorkshire and Scarborough Borough Council, said: “The Open Air Theatre this year has had a tremendous impact on the tourism economy with visitors coming from all over the UK, and in some cases overseas, to see the superb programme of events that Cuffe and Taylor have put on at the venue this year.

“We have received many comments from accommodation providers and tourism businesses saying that the entertainment programme has had a positive effect on their businesses with visitors staying overnight and in many cases over full weekends.

“The number and variety of shows has also had a wide appeal allowing us to attract new audiences of all ages which may not necessarily have visited the destination. We are very much looking forward to working with Cuffe and Taylor to promote an exciting 2018 programme.”

Save the date because Lytham Festival is one week earlier in 2018.

It is announced that Lytham Festival will take place from July 23 to 29 in 2018 to avoid clashing with the Ricoh Women’s British Golf Open held at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.

The news comes as the 2017 event closes for another year.

This year’s Lytham Festival has seen tens of thousands of people pack out the Main Proms Arena on Lytham Green to see headline performances from Olly Murs, Hacienda Classical, an array of 80s and 90s pop stars, Madness and the stunning West End Proms show.

Festival organisers Cuffe and Taylor say the event has once again been an huge success welcoming around 60,000 concert-goers along with the many thousands of people who have visited Lytham to be part of the five-day event.

Director Peter Taylor said: “Lytham Festival 2017 has been tremendous. I am delighted with the success of the event and it never fails to please me just how our audiences react to such an eclectic and varied line up over the course of the festival.

“We are already well into the planning of Lytham Festival 2018 and look forward to revealing the full line-up.

“But for now, we want to ensure everyone knows to save the date for next year because of the fact we are bringing it a week earlier.

“After consulting with all local partners, it makes absolute sense to do this because of the Ricoh Women’s British Golf Open.

“The Women’s British Golf Open is an international event for the Fylde Coast and by having Lytham Festival a week earlier it means we extend the benefit of these events to business and accommodation owners while also ensuring the Fylde Coast, once again, is put well and truly on the map.”

The Ricoh Women’s British Golf Open will take place from 2 to 5 August 2018.

Further details about Lytham Festival 2018 will be announced soon. For more information go to www.lythamfestival.com

A host of leading contenders for a special £20,000 prize are heading to Cumbria for racing’s eagerly-awaited #AmazingMonday meeting.

The world’s first, and the UK’s only, all-female jockey meeting will be held at Carlisle Racecourse this Monday (August 7) with the Jockey Club’s Development Award on the line.

Any jockey who rides a winner at #AmazingMonday and then goes on to triumph in the Betfred Ladies’ Trophy Handicap Stakes at Haydock Park five days later – will win the £20,000 Development Award.

The in-form McCain sisters – Abbie and Ella – who have both ridden winners in recent weeks have three rides each at Carlisle.

They are joined by Sammy Jo Bell, who has made a remarkable return from a serious injury and has six rides, and Cumbria’s own Emma Sayer – winner of last year’s Development Award – who has three entries.

Paula Muir, who rides Framley Garth for Patrick Holmes and Thackeray for Chris Fairhurst, said: “I think Carlisle’s idea to make a day for the women jockeys is brilliant. It gives the girls an opportunity to show their ability and its shows the great support from trainers, owners and everyone involved.

“Having the Development Award gives trainers more incentive to have runners at the meetings to allow their jockeys to have the opportunity. I would like to thank the racecourses for putting on such events to promote women jockeys.”

Abbie McCain rides Diamonds A Dancing and Chelsea’s Boy for her father Donald and Reflation for Patrick Holmes.

Sister Ella, who won at Carlisle last month in her debut race, rides Spike and Tawseef, both trained by her father, and Brian Ellison’s Sikandar

Among Sammy Jo Bell’s rides is Mr Sundowner, who she rode to victory last time out at Redcar, and Iain Jardine’s in-form Thorntoun Care who has finished first and second in his last two outings.

Bell rides La Bacouetteuse in the 8.00 News & Star Amazing Lady Darcie Saffill Handicap (Pro-Am Lady Riders’ Race), a race named after seven-year-old Workington schoolgirl Darcie Safill.

Darcie saved her mother Hayley’s life after she suffered an epileptic seizure.

Geraldine McKay, General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, said: “We cannot wait for Monday’s meeting, this is one of the highlights of the year here at Carlisle.

“We are very proud to host the UK’s only all-female race meeting and are delighted so many of the leading and up-and-coming female jockeys will be here on the day.

“The Development Award is a fantastic initiative which potentially can be a career-changing prize for jockeys. Emma Sayer won last year’s inaugural award and we look forward to see who triumphs this year.”

#AmazingMonday is Carlisle’s annual ladies day with live music from Radio 1 house band The Tailormade and a special post-race Party In The Paddock hosted by Radio 2’s Jo Whiley.

Tickets for #AmazingMonday on Monday August 7 are available by calling 0344 579 3002 or by going to carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Gates open at 2.30pm, first race 5.30pm.