A SCHOOL site manager is set to compete in one of the UK's oldest horse races.

Cranbourne Middle School site manager, Bob Bracken, 65, has announced he is due to compete in the Newmarket Town Plate horse race in New Market, Suffolk, on August 24. 

Newmarket has hosted the plate since 1666 and was instigated by King Charles II who also won the race.

Bob said: "Modern-day horse racing started from this particular race which is a wonderful thing. Just to be part of this is a special thing from my perspective.

"I'm under no illusion it's going to be tough and I have to go through some pretty rigorous courses to get the opportunity to ride in this race."

Regularly training, Bob visited the track to complete stringent fitness and riding tests which he successfully passed. 

While racing in mainly charity races since 2015, Bob noted what makes this race particularly different for him is that it is a competitive event.

He said: "It's a very important race on the calendar and it's going to be a real privilege it be in it.  

"I've ridden fast cars, ridden big motorbikes, but nothing can compare to riding a thoroughbred at 30 miles an hour. It still gives me the buzz.

"I've been in hospital so many times with broken this, broken that. You have to accept that's part of the game but when get that right feeling and a good connection, there's nothing compared to it."

Using horses from a yard in Warminster, Bob was ecstatic when he found out he would be racing with a horse named Ginistrelli.

Originally partnered with a different horse, Bob believes he has a good connection with Ginistrelli and is suited to the long-distance of the race.

Bob also wants to use the opportunity to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and has created a JustGiving page to help raise money.

He said: "I've raised about £17,000 to £18,000 across four charity races I've done. 

"The riders are not obliged to do this, this isn't a charity race per se but I thought why not? I would like to do it and there's no reason why I can't."