The fourth renewal of the Prince’s Countryside Fund Raceday at Ascot which took place on Friday, 23rd November was attended by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Celebrating his recent 70th birthday, Prince Charles met supporters, ambassadors and beneficiaries of his Countryside fund throughout the day. HRH unveiled a magnificent bronze horse statue by Nic Fiddian-Green in the Pre-Parade ring titled, “Into the Wind” as a part of the celebrations. He cut a beautifully detailed celebration cake kindly made by Fiona Cairns. There are estimates that suggest that over 1.3 million euros have been raised over the last four years, making the Ascot event the biggest fundraiser in the Prince’s Countryside Fund calendar.
The event saw a day full of jumps, racing and featured the Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race. The race was an opportunity for amateur jockeys to take on the challenge of riding on the Ascot turf. Rosie Margarson won the Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity race at Ascot Racecourse. She rode Caribbean Spring, which was trained by her father George Margarson. Rosie holds an amateur jockey license and has previously ridden in two races under rules. This was her first time riding at Ascot in a charity race. Samantha Hills who rode Strategic Heights, finished the race in the second position. The race was run over seven furlongs of the National Hunt Course.
Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales awarded Rosie with her prize at Ascot. Rosie Margarson said, “ I am absolutely over the moon to have ridden my first winner for the Prince’s Countryside Fund Charity Race especially for my dad. My horse Caribbean Spring is simply amazing and I ride him every day at home so to win at Ascot Racecourse is unbelievable”.
