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One great jockey retires, another . . .

A P McCoy will be in the spotlight tomorrow at Sandown Park, Esher, South London, while Sheikh Fahad Al Thani will be lining up at Limerick in Ireland, where he takes part in a charity race to raise funds and awareness of Irish Injured Jockeys. Racing starts at 14.10 local time, and the charity event will be run after the final contest at 17.25.

McCoy's lifetime of wasting has been a hallmark of his career, while Sheikh Fahad's fitness drive - and loss of 3st (19.05kgs) - is testimony to his determination to give a good account in the one-mile, five-furlongs test (the attached photograph was taken before the kilos began disappearing). Twelve months ago this weekend he ran the London Marathon, so he is no stranger to big challenges and pain.

In tomorrow's test of thighs, calves, oxygen and nerves he rides Captain Morley, who is owned by Qatar Racing and trained by David Simcock. Newmarket-based Simcock says of the four-year-old: "He is a laid-back character, who has enjoyed his recent jockey booking!"

The race comes at an appropriate time to raise the public profile of the charity - jump jockey Davy Condon was forced to retire this week after a fall in the Grand National, while Limerick's Robbie McNamara is fighting to regain the use of his legs after coming down in a hurdle race. His cousin, J T McNamara, is wheelchair-bound after a fall in March last year.

Sheikh Fahad was encouraged to take part in the race by his Irish representative Peter Molony, who will join him in the line up. Former jockeys Kevin Darley - Qatar Racing's northern representative - and Johnny Murtagh are also among those taking part.

Molony's father, Martin, and uncle Tim, were men of Limerick and leading jockeys of the 1940s and 1950s. A statue of them will be unveiled during racing.

Conor O'Neill, general manager of the racecourse says: "Limerick is delighted to host what promises to be a unique and very special race day. I really hope it will raise public awareness and vital funds for Irish Injured Jockeys. They play a crucial role in racing, a sport which poses such high risks on a daily basis. The work that they do is fantastic."

To support Sheikh Fahad's fund-raising ride, visit:http://www.mycharity.ie/event/sheikh_fahad_al_thani_charity_race/

#Captain Morley is among horses eligible for Qatar Racing's 8 to Follow competition, which raises money for the charity Racing Welfare. The closing date for entries is a week today (May 1), so for the chance to win prizes worth nearly £20,000 go to www.8tofollow.co.uk, or click on one of the 8 to Follow logos on this website.

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