A crime reporter turned jockey is set to compete in his very first horse race at the age of 58.

Steven Wright, who used to work at the Bradford Telegraph & Argus, will ride his horse Alexander in a charity race at a point-to-point meeting in Skipton this Saturday.

Steven expects to be one of the oldest riders in the race, which is to raise money for the Candelighters children’s cancer charity.

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

Steven and Alexander

Steven told the Craven Herald: “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.”

Of Alexander, he added: “He has not raced for seven years, but he has really enjoyed our race training. 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.”

Steven has so far raised £500 in sponsorship and the race will be the theme for author his 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.

Steven, whose partner is current T&A court reporter Jenny Loweth, said: “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.”