HARTLEY Wintney jockey Southerly Roberts is used to winning – just last month she brought home a selection of rosettes from the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham.

But she takes on a different challenge, raising money for The Prince’s Countryside Fund by racing seven furlongs in their special amateur charity horse race, supported by Tindle Newspapers, at Ascot on November 24.

Southerly will be facing stiff competition in the form of Sheikh Fahad Al Thani who was pipped to the post last year, coming second, and a rookie in the shape of former England footballer Michael Owen.

Michael Owen only sat on a horse for the first time earlier this year, giving Southerly – an accomplished horsewoman – a competitive advantage, although she admits to never having raced before.

She said: “I’ve been riding out for Patrick Chamings, the trainer of the horse I’m going to ride, Big Chill. It’s helping me get used to the speed and the short stirrups! I’ve also been running, playing netball, cycling, swimming… anything to get my fitness up before the big day.”

Claire Saunders, director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, added: “The fund’s raceday is a highlight of our calendar of events, and always proves to be a fantastic celebration of the British countryside.

“We’re immensely grateful to Tindle Newspapers for their ongoing support of The Prince’s Countryside Fund and the raceday and wish Southerly luck in the race.”

Sponsor Southerly at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/southerlyroberts or donate £3 to support The Prince’s Countryside Fund by texting PCF to 70300

Since the charity’s first raceday at Ascot in 2015, over £720,000 has been raised as part of the partnership with the racecourse. This year, the raceday boasts a full card of exciting jump racing, alongside a Christmas shopping fair in association with Country Living magazine.

Tickets are free in the Queen Anne Enclosure on Friday, November 24, and start from £24 on Saturday, November 25. Find out more at www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events/november-racing-weekend/friday.