Owner hopes Molly Ollys Wishes can again highlight work of children's charity

Molly Ollys Wishes will shine a light on a charity doing amazing work for children when she bids to once again exceed owner-breeder Dean Pugh's wildest expectations in the Loch Lomond Whiskies National Spirit Hurdle (3.10) at Fontwell.

The Dan Skelton-trained mare is named after the organisation set up by Pugh's friends Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw in memory of their daughter, Molly, who died of cancer in 2011 at the age of eight.

The charity supports children suffering from life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses, including by fulfilling wishes and donating therapeutic aids.

Both personally and through their company, West Mercia Fork Trucks Ltd, Pugh and his wife, Elaine, have been great allies to the charity, which at the end of the season will benefit from some of the prize-money and bonuses accrued during the current campaign by a seven-year-old who most recently defeated Paul's Saga at Warwick.

Molly Ollys Wishes in the winner's enclosure after her Listed success at WarwickCredit: David Pratt

Pugh said: "My wife and I have supported the charity since Molly passed away on June 15, 2011.

"When we named Molly Ollys Wishes we hoped she would turn out to be decent and increase knowledge of the charity but she has clearly surpassed our expectations by reaching a rating of 147. She's had a fantastic season and the charity will benefit from that."

Pugh added: "I'm surprised Dan is running her, to be honest, but he phoned me on Thursday and said: 'Let's go for it!' I didn't really go to Warwick thinking she could beat the French Champion Hurdle winner, either, but she's an improving mare and we're hoping for another big run."

Molly Ollys Wishes has already picked up £40,000 in Great British Bonus payments this term and would earn connections another £10,000 if successful at Fontwell. Owners have until Sunday to register juveniles for the scheme, which seeks to reward and promote British-bred fillies and mares.

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