A SCHOOL caretaker is saddling up once again for a charity horse race later this month.

Bob Bracken, 61, is racing in the Greatwood Charity Race day in Newbury on February 29.

Mr Bracken, who is caretaker at Cranborne Middle School in Wimborne, said: “I worked with racehorses all my life and it has been a big part of my life.

“This is me acknowledging that, it is my way of giving back.

“Greatwood rehome retired racehorses and use those horses as a working tool for children and adults with special needs.

“It’s quite heartening to see these horses in retirement, it is a long-established charity.”

Mr Bracken is training at Paul Henderson’s Whitsbury stables and is one of 12 people competing in the last race of the day.

Each racer is required to raise a minimum of £2,500 to enter.

“The whole race day is dedicated to Greatwood. I am in the last race so it’s the grand finale.

“I am keeping fit. The school have allowed me to finish early on Mondays and Wednesday, I go out and train at every opportunity.

“I’m on the rowing machine. I am rowing 12 miles a day for five days, 60 miles is the distance between Cranborne and Newbury and there’s collection boxes when I’m doing it.

“I have done three races so far and raised nearly £17,000 so it’s serious money.”

Mr Bracken ran this same race last year, however the outcome was not as he hoped.

“I was frustrated last year. Racehorses, if they don’t want to go, won’t go, that’s what happened.

“The horse I raced actually retired on that day, that is the way it was.

“It’s now living as a dressage horse which is a more suitable pace.

“This year I have two horses in mind for different grounds. I know I will be in good shape.

“I know I am assured for a good run, I am really looking forward to it.”