BOB Champion MBE arrived at Higher Eastington Stables at Lapford on Thursday, August 9, to coach and assess amateur jockey Alex Monro, who is riding in the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Derby race at Epsom on Monday, August 27.

Funds raised from the race will benefit The Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah’s Willberry the Wonder Pony Charity.

Bob is a legend in his own lifetime; a former top jump jockey, he won the 1981 Grand National on "Aldaniti", following his successful treatment for cancer and a career threatening injury for his mount.

Their personal and public triumph was made into the film "Champions", with John Hurt portraying Bob. The film is based on his book "Champions Story".

After assessing Alex and his Derby mount "Moojaned" on the gallops, Bob said: “My advice to Alex is to enjoy yourself and remember that it’s a long way to the finish!

"Epsom is one of the hardest race tracks in the world, especially the Derby course.

"The first six-and-a half furlongs take a lot of riding and during this time you actually climb the length of Nelson’ column.

"Tattenham Corner is a pretty sharp bend when you’re at full gallop and the ground continues rising right up to the finishing post, which can really sap a horse’s energy.

"Taking full advantage of the course walk on race day will be vital and I would advise Alex not to play jockeys until the final furlong marker.”

He continued: “After seeing them on the gallops, I am very impressed, actually.

"That is a very nice little horse and Alex is doing a great job of keeping him balanced and in rhythm, which is the secret to good race riding.”

Alex is on track to raise his personal goal of £5,000 with support from his corporate sponsors Mole Valley Farmers (www.molevalleyfarmers.com); Mole Energy; Rutherford Estates, (which is currently developing a Proton beam to be used in the fight against cancer); Bishop Fleming and The All England Jumping Course Hickstead. His mount for the day is being kindly provided by Paul George (www.karengeorgeracing.com).

To support this great cause, please go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexMonro .

For more details about the race or the charities involved, please visit: www.championswillberry.org.uk .