A 28-YEAR-OLD woman who works at Betfred's head office in Birchwood has raised more than £3,000 for a charity supporting injured jockeys.

The company's sponsorship and events manager, Caroline Davis, and her donated horse, Crakehall Lad, featured in the Flying Fillies charity horse race at Kelso Racecourse last month after training for more than a year.

She raised more than £3,000 for the running costs of Jack Berry House in Malton – the north's rehabilitation centre for injured jockeys.

Betfred boss Fred Done has since topped the figure up to £10,000.

Caroline, who lives close to the bookmaker's Birchwood headquarters, off Benson Road, went off in the race at 3/1 after being evens for a short period when she took on 11 other amateurs.

She failed to secure glory but was thrilled to have raised so much for the rehabilitation centre.

"It was a fantastic opportunity and all the training was worthwhile," she said.

"I must say the race was a lot faster than I envisaged – it was exciting and I really enjoyed it.

"It has been a year since I have had a drink so will be having a couple of glasses of Prosecco to celebrate with friends and my family from Ireland who came over to watch.

"It was a brilliant experience for someone like me, who has a passion for horses, and a superb honour to help towards the £250,000 per year running costs of this fantastic facility, which opened in 2014.

"I've really grafted to get myself fit and strong enough to compete and not let anyone down."

Caroline invested more than £700 on boots, a back protector, riding hat and breeches.

She added: "It is vital you not only look the part but are protected as we rode at more than 30mph, which can be dangerous, as well as exhilarating.

"I now have a unique appreciation of how just incredibly tough and brave jockeys need to be to compete at the highest level."