Carlisle's Harry to take on his dad in Newmarket Town Plate

Carlisle Racecourse clerk of the course Harry Phipps admits it will be a “dream” to compete against his father in a prestigious race this weekend.

The 27-year-old from Rockcliffe will race in the Newmarket Town Plate on Saturday – as will dad Fred.

Harry, who took up his Carlisle role in April, says it will be a special experience to compete against his 58-year-old father in the same race.

He said: “Having watched dad in the race last year I thought there is every possibility of giving him a run for his money in the race this year.

“We were chatting a little bit earlier this year and we saw it as a good opportunity to grab something else to do together while we are both still fit enough to have a go at it. 

“Whether I give him a lead and he comes past me I don’t know, we will just have to play it by ear. 

“It will be a great event and I’m really looking forward to it and we will both being giving it a good go.

The father and son will race at Newmarket on Saturday (Image: Jockey Club)

“If we can have a bit of a contest, whether that is in the main race, or just between ourselves, it would be great as not many people get the chance to ride against their relatives. It is something most parents and kids would dream of being able to do.”

Harry, 27, will be on Passing Secret with Fred’s mount Christopher Robin.

The Newmarket Town Plate this weekend will be the 353rd edition of the prestigious amateur contest, which was set up by King Charles II in 1666, who remains the only monarch to ever win the race five years later. 

“It would be an amazing feeling to win the race as it has got a huge amount of history behind it. It would be a real honour to be anywhere near the front,” added Harry.

The Carlisle clerk has been putting in the hard graft in training – both for this weekend’s race and the Lakes In A Day ultra-marathon from Caldbeck to Cartmel on October 7.

And on tomorrow’s race against his dad, he added: “I’m on a little horse called Passing Secrets and both he, and Christopher Robin are very much family horses.

“My mum Fiffa has been heavily involved with the training of the two of them and riding them out so it is a real family affair.”