Sky Sports News presenter David Craig could finish only ninth on Pleasant Day in the Macmillan Charity Race at York but the important thing was the thousands of pounds he raised for the charity.
Craig sat at the back of the field on Richard Fahey's five-year-old but ended up staying there as Horatio Carter got the run of the race out in front under Sophia Monkman.
However, Monkman was cruelly denied right on the line by Rebecca Jones on Jawaab who came with a late charge up the stands' rail.
It meant months of hard work in the gym and the gallops of North Yorkshire for Craig but the presenter said it was all worth it.
"I've got to say a big thank-you to Richard for allowing a complete novice like me to go up to his yard and ride out. All the guys and girls who work at the yard have been brilliant in giving me help and advice, there's a world of difference from riding horses as a kid like I did to being on machines like racehorses," he said.
"I sat on Pleasant Day earlier this week and that went well and they even tried to get me used to race-riding by bumping and boring into me on the way up the gallop!
"I've put some effort in over the last few months, riding out at Nigel Tinkler's too and I have to say a huge thank-you to him and his wife Kim for all they've done. I've really enjoyed it
"Physically I now realise how tough it is being a jockey. I'll never stand in a betting shop criticising a rider again - I promise you that!
"Sky Sports and Sky Bet have kindly got behind this project and we want to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support. Sadly we all know someone who has needed that kind of care as they battle cancer and the success we are now getting in helping people through the disease is tremendous.
"We've had people in our office at work who've suffered with cancer and come through the other side and this is a chance to raise money for a wonderful cause. The link to the Just Giving website is on here - and any donation, however small, is gratefully received."
