Racing to Help Ukraine: AP McCoy and Oisin Murphy among collective driving horseboxes filled with supplies to Polish border

Some of the biggest names in horse racing have joined forces to support the people of Ukraine.

Racing legend Sir Anthony McCoy, champion jockey Oisin Murphy and former trainer Charlie Mann, who is based at Neardown in Upper Lambourn, are part of a British horseracing collective who will be driving a convoy of horseboxes filled with items that Ukrainian refugees desperately need.

Sleeping bags, food, water, hygiene and medical supplies have all been collected and the convoy will also be taking horse feed, veterinary supplies and a vet.

The initiative is called Racing to Help Ukraine.

And among the other big names involved are former jockey Richard Quinn, who will be driving one of the trucks, and trainer Gay Kelleway.

Four Ukrainian stable workers from Lambourn will also be among the drivers.

A statement from Racing to Help Ukraine said: "There are many Ukrainians working in racing in the UK so this dreadful conflict feels very close to home for us.

"We are closely affiliated with the original ‘Racing To Help’ campaign set up by Nick Boyd to get aid to Bosnian refugees.

"It is effectively the same idea with similar execution; horseboxes on a poignant journey and targeted, not random aid directly to those that need it.

"We will leave the UK on April 10 and drive for 22 hours (or more) to the Polish border to deliver the goods directly.

"That’s the equivalent of a trip-and-a-half from Lambourn to Ayr racecourse and back – which makes it feel much closer to home.

"It won’t be comfortable and we’ll probably get little in the way of sleep, but at least we’ll know that our convoy of supplies are actually getting to the people that need them."

To make a donation and for more information click here.

Local businesses have also pledged their support, including Lambourn Racehorse Transport (LRT).