What Is The Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives At York Racecourse?

Ever wondered what happens when ordinary people decide to do something truly extraordinary for a good cause? Well, sometimes it involves swapping a tractor for a thoroughbred racehorse and a paintbrush for a prize. A local Pickering business owner has done just that, creating a unique piece of art for the winner of a massive charity race. It’s a brilliant story about a farmer, a winning jockey, and a huge amount of money raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, all centred around the famous York Racecourse.

From farmer to fundraiser: Karl Avison's story

Imagine being a farmer and owning a busy farm shop. Now, imagine also being a jockey who has raced not once, but twice in a high-stakes charity race. That’s Karl Avison for you. He’s a farmer and the business owner of the lovely Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café in Pickering, but he’s also made a name for himself in the world of fundraising. Having competed in the Macmillan Ride of Their Lives challenge twice, he knows exactly what it takes.

This year, Karl decided to support the event in a different way, using another one of his talents: art. As a keen artist, he generously offered to create a special prize. He promised he paints a picture of the racehorse ridden by the jockey who raised the most money for the charity. And what a prize to receive! Funnily enough, Karl himself was a Macmillan prize winner last year, when he and his team raised an incredible £40,133 for the cancer charity. So, he knows the dedication involved in this huge fundraiser. This time, he was on the other side, honouring another top fundraiser for Macmillan.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Macmillan, the race organisers and the jockeys as I want to continue to give back to the charity that is close to my heart, and to help Macmillan raise money for a new ‘gold standard’ Cancer Support Centre at York Hospital.”

“This year, I was proud to support the jockeys by organising the riders for jockey coach Russ Garrity to put through their paces on the Equicizer machines at Jack Berry House, and it was an honour to paint a picture of winning horse, Hartswood, for Lester.”

The winning jockey and a very special painting

So, who was the superstar jockey who took home this amazing prize? His name is Lester Lloyd. At a recent meeting at York Racecourse, he was presented with the painting by Karl. Lester didn't just win this year’s charity race, he also smashed his fundraising target, having raised a jaw-dropping £43,830 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The painting Karl created was of Hartswood, the magnificent racehorse that Lester rode to victory. It’s not every day a jockey gets a custom painting of their winning mount, especially one created by a fellow competitor and fundraiser. This picture is more than just a prize; it’s a symbol of the incredible community spirit behind this event. Lester Lloyd was the well-deserving Macmillan prize winner, and his efforts in fundraising were truly inspiring. Karl Avison, the farmer from the Cedarbarn Farm Shop, used his artistic skill to create a lasting memory of this achievement.

More than just a horse race

This event isn't just a day out at the races. The 54th Macmillan Charity Raceday, which took place on Saturday, 14 June, is the biggest charity fundraiser of its kind in the UK. Lester Lloyd was one of 12 amateur jockeys who took part. These weren’t professional riders; they were ordinary people who trained for months to get ready for the big day.

And their hard work really paid off. Just look at these numbers:

• The 12 amateur jockeys collectively raised over £152,000.
• The raceday itself raised a massive total of over £458,000 for Macmillan.
• Since this charity event began, the cumulative total raised has topped an unbelievable £11 million.

That money goes directly to providing vital cancer support for people who desperately need it. It’s a testament to what a dedicated fundraiser and a supportive community can achieve. The amount of money raised through this fantastic event is simply staggering and makes a real difference.

What does it take to become a charity jockey?

Taking part in the Ernest Cooper Macmillan Ride of Their Lives is no small thing. The participants are all amateur jockeys, meaning they have day jobs as business owners, farmers, and everything in between. They sign up for months of intense training and a massive fundraising commitment.

As Karl mentioned, the jockeys train hard, even using special equipment like Equicizers. Think of an Equicizer as a bit like a treadmill for a jockey – it’s a mechanical horse that lets them practise their technique and build up their fitness without needing a real racehorse. It’s a serious physical and mental challenge. Each jockey pushes themselves to the limit, all for the sake of raising money for this incredible charity. The journey from signing up to crossing the finish line at York Racecourse is a huge personal achievement for every single rider.

Fancy giving it a go?

After reading about Karl Avison, the artist and farmer, and Lester Lloyd, the winning jockey, does a part of you think, "I could do that"? Well, you might be in luck. Applications are already open for the 2026 race. If you’re passionate about a cause and ready for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, this could be for you. The fundraising journey is tough, but the reward of helping a charity like Macmillan is immense.

Anyone interested can find more information and an application form online. It’s a chance to join a legacy of incredible fundraisers and make a real impact on people’s lives. Who knows, the next person to receive a beautiful painting of a racehorse could be you. The charity race provides a platform for people to push their limits for a cause that matters, continuing the amazing tradition of this unique fundraising event.