WHEN Chloe Bowkett saddles up for a once-in-a-lifetime race at Prestbury Park, she will know the lie of the land.

The 26-year-old, an events manager at Cheltenham Racecourse, is one of 12 selected to ride in a charity race at the venue in March.

Chloe will line up alongside riders from across England and Ireland for the first ever St Patrick's Day Derby in aid of Cancer Research UK on March 17.

Chloe, from Cooper's Hill, has taken part in Pony Club activities from the age of eight, is an experienced show jumper and event rider and also played horse ball as a teenager.

She said: "It's a dream come true to be able to ride at Cheltenham, especially during the festival in front of the crowds. It's all about the experience. I will definitely be competitive."

Chloe, who has worked at the course for more than three years, feels strongly about the good cause the race will be supporting.

She said: "I have got family members at the moment who have been diagnosed with cancer. It's something that is close to my heart. I'm keen to reach my £5,000 target and raise a bit more."

Chloe is honing her skills by riding out for top Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, who won the Gold Cup with Imperial Commander last year.

She is hoping she may be able to ride one of the horses at his Naunton base.

"It would be quite good as it's a local rider, a local trainer and hopefully a local owner too," she added.

Henry Cecil, multiple Derby-winning trainer, will be the guest of honour for the charity contest, run as the seventh race of the day at 5.15pm.

The Racecourse's managing director, Edward Gillespie, said: "The Cheltenham team is hoping that the special charity race and the presence of Henry Cecil will add further interest to what is already a spectacular day of high-class jump racing."

Last year's riders included Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson's partner Annie Adams.

Chloe is looking for sponsorship from people within Gloucestershire.

To support her, go to www.justgiving.com/Chloe-Bowkett.