Horse RIDERS will be competing this Friday at The Prince’s Charity Race at Ascot Racecourse for a very worthy cause.

In honour of HRH The Prince of Wales 70th birthday, the Prince’s Countryside Fund aims to support family farm businesses, quality of rural life and the future of our countryside.

In total, 12 riders will be taking part in the race with the likes of Samantha Hills, daughter of Derby winning jockey Michael Hills and British fashion model Rosie Tapner.

Rosie said: “I am so looking forward to the race, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get this opportunity!"

“Not once did I ever think that the next time I would be at Ascot, I would be racing there myself so it’s a scary but amazing thought.”

The model made her debut on a racecourse earlier this year in the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood and is hoping to build on this experience at Ascot.

She added: “I have ridden all my life, but never on a racehorse until about eight months ago. I absolutely hated It, I hadn’t quite anticipated just how scary a three-year-old thoroughbred racehorse was, but now I am completely hooked.

“Before starting this amazing race, I had ridden the same horse for 10 years and now I have ridden 25 horses in eight months.”

Ashley Morton – Hunte, racing communications manager at Ascot said: “We are very much looking forward to this weekend’s Prince’s Countryside Fund Raceday.

"Since its inception, the day has raised over £1.1 million, which allows the Fund to continue its vital work funding projects to support the people who live and work in our countryside."

The Princes Countryside Fund was founded the HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 to help secure a brighter future for British farmers and the countryside.

Each year, the fund provides more than £1.1million in grants to projects across the UK, as well as coordinating initiatives such as The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme.

She added: "The raceday will feature a six-race jumps card, complemented by Country Living Magazines Christmas shopping fair, countryside inspired activities and the Prince's Countryside Charity Race.

Visitors will also get to see a statue being unveiled at the pre-parade ring to celebrate HRH The Prince of Wales 70th Birthday.

Tickets are free in the Queen Anne Enclosure on Friday, November 23 and start from £25 on Saturday, November 24.