IT’S the oldest and probably the most eccentric horse race in England.

It dates from a time when Henry VIII was on the throne.

Now an English teacher from Emley, who has never ridden in a competitive race in her life, is hoping to win it.

Alison Garner, 42, will travel to Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, tomorrow to take part in the Kiplingcotes Derby on her horse Libby.

Designed for amateurs it is a four-mile flat race over fields, roads and tracks.

The ‘Rules’ drawn up in 1618 simply say: “A horse race to be observed and ridd yearly on the third Thursday in March; open to horses of all ages, to convey horsemen’s weight, ten stones, exclusive of saddle, to enter ye post before eleven o’clock on the morning of ye race. The race to be run before two.”

The race’s future was secured in 1699 when it became endowed.

This year’s race is due to start at 11am though last year the conditions were so foggy that there were doubts over whether it would be run.

Organisers try to ensure that some sort of race is always run as the rules state that if it is not run one year then it must never be run again.

The memorably bitter winter of 1947 was one such occasion when no one was bold enough to take part and so a farmer led a lone horse around the course, ensuring it would survive.

And during the 2001 UK foot and mouth crisis the race was once again reduced to one horse and rider.

Alison, a teacher at All Saints Catholic College, Bradley, said: “I’ve been riding since I was seven and old enough to nag my parents to have lessons though I was not lucky enough to have my own pony as a child.

“My parents couldn’t understand my obsession with horses. We were not a horsey family at all.”

Her mount will be Libby, a 14-year-old three-quarters thoroughbred Irish Sports Horse.

It is not clear how many horses will take part – the tradition is that no-one knows until the day of the race.

In 1998 only seven riders took part but in recent times media interest has grown and last year saw the first bookmaker attend for the first time in 60 years.

Certainly, no-one takes part for the money.

The winner’s prize is £50, along with a trophy, though the person who is runner-up can collect more by taking all the entrance fees.

Alison added: “I saw the race mentioned on the TV programme Countryfile and as I was thinking of doing something for charity this seemed perfect.”

Her father Alvin died of heart failure in 2008 aged 67 and so Alison is hoping to raise £500 for the British Heart Foundation.

A donation will also be made to Phoenix Aid which helps victims of war-torn countries.

Alison said: “I have got quite a few supporters coming though I haven’t told the kids at school – they might think I’m a bit crazy.”

Asked whether she thought she might win she said: “Libby has a lot of stamina, she will stay the distance. We will just have to see.”