BASINGSTOKE and North Hants cricketer Leon Nurse is set to swap his whites for horse racing silks for one last time.

His final race for charity will take place as part of the Greatwood Charity Meeting, which is being held at Newbury on Saturday, February 28.

Nurse, who turns 63 just before the outing, is determined to end his charity horse racing career on a high.

He has a good record at his local racecourse, winning on his last outing in 2011.

He rode George Baker’s Bella de Fontal to victory in the one mile five furlong outing and his next month he will race over the same distance.

The 62-year-old said: “I know I have said it before, but this is definitely my last race and I would love to finish with a win.

“I have a good record at Newbury, with two wins and third place there.”

The hard work now starts for Nurse, who is in training as he looks to get back down to his racing weight.

He is hoping that Smithie UK, who sponsored him last time, will do so again.

He also needs some more sponsorship for the entry fee to take part in the race.

Over his eight years in the saddle, Nurse has raised over £35,000 for charity.

He added: “I rode out for the first time in a year last weekend and I also have to lose a stone in weight, but it is for a good cause as Greatwood is a great charity.”

Greatwood offers vulnerable children and young people the chance to gain confidence by riding horses.

Anyone who can offer Nurse sponsorship for his last race can contact him on 07889 364199.