Racing Legend Gerald Mosse Set to Ride in Graham Lee Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Stakes at Doncaster

Racing fans are in for a treat this Sunday as legendary jockey Gerald Mosse makes a return to the saddle in the Graham Lee Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster. Mosse, who retired from race riding earlier this year to begin a training career, will take part in the charity event that honors his former colleague, Graham Lee, and raises funds for the National Racing College, Injured Jockeys Fund, and Jack Berry House.

The 57-year-old Frenchman enjoyed a glittering riding career that spanned four decades, beginning in 1983. Among his many triumphs are victories in some of the world’s most prestigious races, including the 2010 Melbourne Cup aboard Americain, the 1990 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Saumarez, and five Prix de Diane wins. He also tasted success in the UK, winning numerous Group One races and spent a memorable period racing in Hong Kong. One of his most famous partnerships was with Arazi, whom he guided to five wins before the colt’s unforgettable victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile under Pat Valenzuela.

Mosse’s involvement in the charity race is eagerly anticipated, with the event paying tribute to Graham Lee, who sustained life-altering injuries in a fall last November. Andrew Thornton, a Gold Cup-winning jockey and member of the race’s organizing committee, expressed his excitement about Mosse’s participation.

“It’s great to have Gerald involved this year. He was keen to do it,” said Thornton. “We thought we also had Olivier Peslier, but something came up preventing him from riding this time. However, he’s keen for next year, which is fantastic.”

The Leger Legends Stakes boasts a diverse lineup of retired jockeys from both Flat and jump racing backgrounds. Alongside Mosse, the field includes former Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Richard Johnson and Jim Culloty, as well as Bryan Cooper, who has also claimed the prestigious blue riband at the Festival.

This year’s edition sees the debut of Grand National-winning rider David Mullins, adding to the star power. Megan Nicholls, daughter of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, is also set to compete, along with previous race winners Sammy-Jo Bell and Tom Scudamore. Other notable participants include Neil Pollard, Mark Enright, Adrian Nicholls, Jason Edmunds, Brian Harding, and Adam McNamara.

Thornton added, “We’ve got a great blend of ex-Flat, ex-jump jockeys, men, women, English, Irish, and international, so we’re very pleased. It’s a real honor to have these names involved, especially for such a good cause.”

The horses will be assigned to riders based on the work they have been doing in specific stables, ensuring the race prioritizes safety. While Thornton himself will not be participating this year, he joked about the increasing weight limit: “Until they raise the weight up to 12st 7lb, I think my days of riding in it are probably over! There are plenty of jockeys with better credentials than I’ve got.”

This year’s event is the second time Vickers.Bet has sponsored the race, with Jo Vickers receiving special thanks from the organizing team for her support. Vickers has worked closely with Graham Lee to ensure the race reflects his legacy.

The Graham Lee Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Stakes promises to be a highlight of the Doncaster meeting, with racing fans looking forward to seeing some of the sport’s greatest names compete once more – all in the name of charity and camaraderie.