A FAMILY history in horse racing has inspired a man's charity trek through the Borders.

Colin Leggat, from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, is embarking on a series of walks covering a total of 700 miles across the country.

He will also pass through 150 trainers yards while on his mission to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Although not directly involved himself, the 72-year-old's family has many ties to the sport.

Colin told us: "My late uncle and aunt Tanny and Belle Leggat were owners of many horses and had over 150 winners, a number of which were trained in the Borders, including a dual winner at Royal Ascot in 1979, a horse called Mountain Cross.

"Tanny's brother Hugh had a very successful stud outside St Boswells with notable successes in the UK and France.

"He bred Bounteous who came 2nd in 1963 St Leger and 8th in the Derby. Tanny's son in law Jimmy Fitzgerald saddled over 1,200 winners mainly over jumps including 1985 Cheltenham gold cup winner Forgive 'n Forget.

"I shall be walking from Sandy Thompsons stables to Kelso racecourse for the meeting on May 27 and then visiting seven yards in the Borders the following Monday and Tuesday (May 28 and 29).

"Later that week I will visit Nick Alexander, Lucinda Russell and Lucy Normilles' stables before arriving at Perth for their meeting on Sunday, June 3."

To sponsor Colin, go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colin-leggat