He’s more famous for lying on a sun lounger than sitting in a saddle.
But Chris Hughes, 25, is the 11-4 favourite to win his first horse race at York Racecourse on Saturday afternoon.
The Love Island star is set to take part in the mile and one furlong Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives charity race.
Hidden talents: Chris Hughes, 25, is the 11-4 favourite to win his first horse race at York Racecourse on Saturday afternoon
Chris, who rode horses when he was younger, has had to train intensely over the last five months for the race, and will be competing against 11 others.
The 25-year-old looked every inch the professional jockey in a scarlet riding shirt and white jodhpurs, worn alongside a pair of black leather boots.
Taught by legendary trainer Jonjo O’Neill, Chris has undertaken months of intensive training at Jackdaws Castle, Cheltenham, as well as facing rigorous assessments to ensure he is race-ready.
Big day: The Love Island star is set to take part in the mile and one furlong Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives charity race
Looking the part: The 25-year-old looked every inch the professional jockey in a scarlet riding shirt and white jodhpurs, worn alongside a pair of black leather boots
Hard work: Taught by legendary trainer Jonjo O’Neill, Chris has undertaken months of intensive training at Jackdaws Castle in Cheltenham
Chris, who is riding five-year-old Carnageo, said ‘I will be raising funds for an amazing charity. It’s been a hugely challenging, yet unbelievably exciting five months.
‘I have worked hard with Jonjo O’Neill, Dominic Elsworth and the team at Jackdaws Castle and can’t thank them enough. I’m also indebted to Richard Fahey and his generous owners for providing me with the horse.
‘The experience has been fantastic but there’s still a way to go and I’m really looking forward to competing and raising more money.’
So far, Chris has raised over £6,000 for Macmillan – if you’d like to donate, click here.
Pearly whites: Chris could be seen beaming as he snapped selfies with guests as they arrived at the racecourse in all their finery
Smile for the camera: Another guest took a picture with the Love Island star
Day at the races: Guests dressed in bright colours arrived at the event in Yorkshire
Chris could be seen beaming as he snapped selfies with guests as they arrived at the racecourse in all their finery.
Guests are encouraged to wear their glad rags for the event, with the racing ground advising they ‘dress for the occasion’.
Considering all the hours he’s been putting into training, it’s hardly surprising that Chris hasn’t had a moment to catch up on Love Island, with the reality star admitting to The Sun he hadn’t watched any.
Dress to impress: Guests are encouraged to wear their glad rags for the event, with the racing ground advising they ‘dress for the occasion’
All smiles: This group looked delighted as they joined in on the fun at the racecourse
‘As hard as it is to believe, I haven’t watched a single episode of this season’s Love Island!
‘I’ve been following it on Twitter and Instagram but I’ve been so busy I just haven’t had time.’
When Chris was in the villa, he was coupled up with model Olivia Attwood. They quickly moved in together after finding love on the hugely popular 2017 series but split up on screen in March after a series of public spats including accusations of infidelity on both sides.
Summer vibes: These three women looked lovely as they enjoyed a hen party at the races
Ready for a good time: Two excited racegoers looked as if they were ready for a day out