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I am delighted to be taking part in the 2026 Macmillan Ride of Their Lives at York. It is something I have always dreamed of and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Racing has always been part of my life. I come from a family deeply connected to the sport. My grandad, Mick Easterby and uncle David Easterby are racehorse trainers, and my sister, Joanna Mason, rides professionally as a jockey. My mum also rode in this race 11 years ago, so I have always understood the level of commitment it takes.
I grew up riding with the Middleton Pony Club, which gave me my first real experience in the saddle. I then went on to ride in point to pointing for five seasons. This developed my skills further and gave me a strong grounding, as well as a real love of competition. Alongside this, I grew up in York and spent much of my youth running cross country on the Knavesmire, so sport and endurance have always been important to me.
York Racecourse is particularly special to me. Having grown up locally and attended school in York, it truly feels like a home track. My grandad and Uncle David have runners at most York meetings so I am regularly at the course to watch. There is something unique about the atmosphere, history and prestige of racing at York. To now have the chance to ride on the flat there, something I never thought would be possible, is incredibly exciting and quite surreal. I have always wanted to try flat racing, so this really is a dream come true.
If anyone would like to help with the fundraising the link is here.
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