AHEAD of the 2021 Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, York Racecourse and Welcome to Yorkshire gave people in the region the chance to nominate their community heroes and give them a chance to win £5,000 for themselves and £15,000 towards their chosen charity.

Otley is represented with two nominations in the 22 with Judy Olby and Andrea Petch on the final shortlist.

Ex-dressage rider Judy Olby from Otley was nominated for her relentless volunteering with the Otley and District Riding for the Disabled Association for so many years, helping give disabled children a pair of legs, self-confidence, communication skills and friends. She devotes so much of her life to the horses and children and always goes above and beyond to help the children learn to care for the horses.

Andrea had no idea of the impact her wish of helping the community at the beginning of the pandemic would have. She had 50 people answer her call for volunteers to sew scrubs for the NHS. For the next 18 months, she organised the group she formed, The Otley Sewing Collective, working tirelessly, supporting the community and humbled to play a small part in Otley having one of the lowest Covid infection rates across the region. Since she formed the group, 1850 metres of fabric were used for 615 sets of scrubs and 900 face masks in 6,500 hours’ worth of volunteering volunteer time.

Given that Fujaira Prince is the defending champion in the race, looking to be only the second horse since 1846 to win the contest twice, it is only right that Judy’s fortunes are aligned with those of Winning Trainer, Roger Varian, therefore Judy has been drawn the defending champion as her horse. Should Fujaira Prince win the race, Judy will take home £5,000 cash for themselves and £15,000 for their chosen charity, which is Otley and District Riding for the Disabled Association.

Andrea has been drawn Roberto Escobarr. Should she win the race on Saturday, the £15,000 will go to the Guide Dogs.

All of the nominated heroes, plus a guest, will cheer on their assigned runner in the race on Saturday 21st August, the final day of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, enjoying a well-deserved day out at one of the country’s most prestigious sporting venues.

Judy Olby, Ebor Community Hero, said: “It was lovely to be nominated me and a very welcome surprise. I’m looking forward to race-day and will be hoping my horse can help raise some more vital funds for the Otley and District Riding for the Disabled Association.”

James Brennan, Head of Marketing at York Racecourse commented: “The Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival is such a special event and the perfect opportunity to celebrate community heroes. Judy and Andrea are fine examples of community heroes and we look forward to welcoming them and their guests on Saturday and wish them the best of luck in the Sky Bet Ebor.”

James Mason, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “It was heart-warming to read all the amazing acts of kindness and initiatives that have taken place over this most difficult time. I wish the final 22 the best of luck for the race on Saturday as they are all deserved winners.”