Leading jockeys pay 'awe-inspiring' visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool

Aintree’s longstanding partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool was extended this week when a number of riders made a first festive visit.

Rachael Blackmore and Danny Mullins made the trip over from Ireland to hand out gifts and meet children who are receiving treatment on the wards.

Flat jockeys Harry Davies and Ross Coakley were the other current riders to visit on Monday, with former jockeys Sir Anthony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Franny Norton also in attendance.

The Merseyside-born Norton, who retired from the saddle at Chester in September, said: “It was my first time visiting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for a ward visit and it was a huge privilege. The work of everyone here is nothing short of awe-inspiring, as is the bravery of the children receiving treatment.”

McCoy is a patron of Alder Hey and has regularly made visits to the hospital during and since his illustrious riding career. He said: “Alder Hey is somewhere I’ve been coming to for more than 20 years and I’ve seen the amazing work they do to raise funds to keep the place going. The nurses and doctors do such vital and inspiring work.”

The weighing room representatives visited patients and handed out giftsCredit: Aintree racecourse/The Jockey Club

Racegoers at Aintree’s fixture on December 26, featuring the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle, will be encouraged to participate in a gift-giving initiative. Those in attendance will be able to drop off presents at the track, with all the items distributed to children and families in the local community through the racecourse’s partners.

Dickon White, regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses’ North West said: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Alder Hey. To see the smiles on the children’s faces and to see the impact this visit has had is truly moving.

“Every year, on the eve of the Randox Grand National, dozens of jockeys riding at Aintree over the three days come to Alder Hey for a similar visit and it’s always one of the highlights of our year. To grow this initiative is wonderful.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Alder Hey Children's Hospital can do so here.

Read this next:

Nicky Henderson readies strong squad for Windsor's jumps return - and issues Sir Gino update 

The Racing Post Annual 2025 is out now! This exciting review of the racing year has 208 colour pages packed with the best stories and is beautifully illustrated with stunning images. The perfect gift at £19.99. To order, click here or call 01933 304858.