Retired jockey to pick up the reins after 20 years

Former jockey Richard Morris now works as an equine dentist

A retired jockey is to get back in the saddle after 20 years to raise money for charity.

Richard Morris, from Godstone in Surrey, participated in his final race at Scotland's Musselborough Racecourse in 2005.

But the equine dentist is to race once again in November to raise funds for the British Horse Society (BHS), which works to protect and promote the interests of horses.

"The memory of my last race is still so clear," Mr Morris said.

He added: "I was riding a horse called Snails Castle. We finished fourth at odds of 100-1.

"To be honest, I thought the odds of me getting back on a racehorse would be even longer."

'World of horses is changing'

Mr Morris said he decided to hang up his silks and found a new career more conducive to caring for his young family.

He said he would not be riding his own ex-racehorse, Hugo, in the charity race at Newbury, but instead planned to borrow a mount from Cisswood Racing Stables in Horsham, West Sussex.

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"The work of the British Horse Society is so important," Mr Morris said.

"The world of horses is changing, roads are increasingly dangerous to ride on, and our off-road routes need protecting."

The BHS Race will feature former jockeys and other amateur riders who have each pledged to raise £3,000 for the charity.