On Friday October 13th, ahead of the annual Unibet Jumps Season Opener at Chepstow Racecourse, a ‘Welsh Jump Jockeys Derby’ is set to be run over the classic distance of 1m4f to raise money for Welsh children’s cancer charity Latch.
Betsy Williams, daughter of leading Welsh trainer Christian Williams, is currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Betsy and her family members have been supported throughout this very difficult time by Latch who do amazing work in helping family members of children affected by cancer or leukaemia in Wales.
Phil Bell, Regional Director West at Arena Racing Company, and National Hunt jockey, Alan Johns have been the two figures involved in the organisation of this charity race.
Bell said: “This special race is for an important cause. The entire Welsh horse racing community is rallying around to support Christian and his family. We felt it was important, as the biggest racecourse in Wales, to do what we could to raise awareness and money. This is a golden era for Welsh jockeys, and we thought the idea of the charity race involving all of them would be the perfect vehicle for fund raising.”
The contest involves 12 of the best Welsh jump jockeys around including the likes of the current Jump Jockeys Championship Leader Sean Bowen, as well as Jack Tudor.
Johns added: “I was delighted to be asked to help organise the race by the team at Chepstow. The energy and enthusiasm which the jockeys have shown towards the race and the filming of the promotional video has made the process so much fun. As jockeys, we’re all genuinely excited about the race itself and are probably all taking it a little too seriously - bragging rights go a long way between the Welsh jockeys!”
Christian Williams has received backing from not just charities and doctors in the last few months, but the whole racing community who have rallied around the Welsh National-winning trainer.
Williams said: “My wife Charlotte and I have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to our family since Betsy’s diagnosis and this fund-raising charity race is going to be great in terms of raising awareness of the excellent work being carried out by Latch. I’d like to thank the Welsh jump jockeys for taking part and good luck to all of them.”
Ed Nicholson, head of Unibet Racing said: "Unibet are delighted to sponsor the Welsh Jump Jockeys' Derby as part of the fifth-year celebrations of sponsoring the Unibet Jump Season Opener at Chepstow"
"We are particularly pleased to do so as it will raise funds and awareness for Latch, a charity that supports the children and their families who are being treated by the Oncology Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Wales."
A JustGiving page has been set up for those wishing to donate to LATCH which can be found on the below link:
Chepstow Racecourse is fundraising for LATCH Welsh Children's Cancer Charity (justgiving.com)
