A SOUTH Craven journalist and writer is to ride in his first horse race - at the age of 58.

Steven Wright, author and former crime reporter of the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, will be taking part in the charity race at Skipton point-to-point race meeting, on Saturday, April 29, on his ex-racehorse, Alexander.

Steven, formerly of Gargrave but now living at Silsden, expects to be one of the oldest riders in the race, which is to raise money for the Candelighters children's cancer charity.

He said: "I always dreamed of riding Alexander in a race, but I never felt brave enough to tackle the big steeplechase fences. I jumped at the chance to enter the charity race. It will be a huge thrill and is for such a good cause."

Alexander, a 13-year-old former steeplechaser, will run under his racing name of Adelphi Warrior.

"He has not raced for seven years, but he has really enjoyed our race training," said Steven. "His dad, Alflora, was sixth in the Epsom Derby, so he has the pedigree.

"The opposition is tough, I gather there are young race yard thoroughbreds and ex-jockeys taking part, so our expectations are not high. But we'll give it our best and, above all, enjoy it.

"Alexander is in great form. We have won two indoor showjumping events this year and last season we notched a victory at cross-country, tackled our first British Eventing courses, and got a rosette for being the top ex-racehorse at the hunter trials at Craven Country Ride, at Coniston Cold."

Steven keeps Alexander at Farfield Farm Livery Centre, between Addingham and Bolton Abbey. "He has never been happier and has really thrived at Farfield," he said.

Steven is grateful for the advice and support he has received from friends and local equestrians. He has even borrowed racing silks and a special saddle for the race.

"Everyone has been very generous, especially all those who have sponsored me, from our farrier Steven Hardaker, and Jane and Charles Barker at Farfield, to old friends at the Telegraph and Argus. I have raised around £500, so I am pleased. I just hope we don't let them down."

The race will be the theme for Steven's latest book, which he will be releasing on Amazon next month. His first book, Run With Your Heart, was published as a paperback by Racing Post Books and tells the story of his first two years with Alexander.

"An awful lot has happened since then and I hope the new book will be funny and moving. Alexander and I have been on quite a journey together. We were both on the scrapheap but we have come through, despite a lot of ups and downs, and I love him to bits.

"I haven't decided on a title yet for the book. I have a couple of ideas. If we do well in the race, maybe I could call it Seven Years To The Winning Post."

The charity race is due off at 1.15pm, with the main racing beginning at 2pm. It takes place at Heslaker Farm, off the A59, between Skipton and Broughton. Organised by The |Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt, the event is open to all and will include bookmakers, trade stands and refreshments. Admission £10 for adults, and free for children under 16.