Watch: Ludlow race day row over riders' age limit
A charity horse race in Shropshire was today embroiled in an ageism row – after two riders were banned for being too old.
Peter Dicken, 63, and John Sproson, 72, have ridden in Ludlow Charity Race Day for the past few years and finished first and second in 2012.
But a new rule has outlawed riders aged over 60, infuriating the two men.
Mr Dicken said the pair had raised more than £3,000 for the event over the years, and said they wanted to carry on doing so. He is a former professional jockey and is still riding.
And Mr Sproson, who runs Stiperstones Stores and owns the Stiperstones Inn, said he remained fit and active.
He said: "It may not seem like a big deal, but it's a big deal for us. Sport is so good for older people. I do triathlons, fell running, open water swims and every Boxing Day we put on a run from the pub here – and I'm very into the charity side of it."
Mr Sproson, an amateur jockey, said he was outraged at the new rules, which he said was simply ageism – especially considering he and Mr Dicken, a former professional jockey, had come first and second in the charity race as recently as 2012.
But now they had been told anyone over the age of 60 cannot enter.
Mr Sproson, who runs Stiperstones Stores and owns the Stiperstones Inn, said: "It was real bolt from the blue that they put an age restriction on it.
"It's purely an age thing, it isn't an ability thing or a safety factor – they've just decided they don't want old men to do it anymore." Mr Dicken runs North Farm Riding School in Ludlow and has a long association with the racecourse as he used to drive the ambulance behind the horses. He said he was "steaming" about the decision.
The Ludlow Charity Race Day this year is on April 2 and in aid of Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen.
Bob Davies, company secretary and general manager at Ludlow Race Club, said he sympathised, but it was a matter of not wanting to put people at risk.
He said: "They have both taken part before, but this year we have brought in an age restriction of between 16 and 60. Although they might want to take part and be willing to sign a disclaimer and so on, we have to make a decision that those competing in the race are competent to do so.
"We do not consider it correct for anybody over 60 to be riding on a race course like that – it's a risk too far. If anything goes wrong we would get the blame, and unfortunately we cannot take that risk," he said.
Mr Sproson and Mr Dicken have put together a Youtube video, "Old and Bold" about their plight, which they say has won them overwhelming support.
