Builder Scott led for most of Cheltenham

A CONSTRUCTION boss who lost a stone-and-a-half so he could compete as a professional jockey has raised more than £20,000 for charity.

Scott Lowther, 43, took on six famous horse riders, including Ben Hobday, Nick Skelton and Tina cook in a fundraising race at Cheltenham.

Scott, from Waterbeck, Dumfries and Galloway, had to get down to 11 stone before he could take part in the showdown. And for a time it looked like he might have even won the race on Thursday.

He and his horse Toledo Gold led for about two-thirds of the track before falling behind and coming last.

However, Scott said he loved every minute and has raised around £20,800 for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity.