FACES past and present from the world of horse racing joined together to support the Dartmoor Charity Horse Ride for Autism Awareness on Sunday. Former Grand National winner Bob Champion led the ride, from the East Dart Hotel in Postbridge to Merrivale and back again, which also saw the likes of retired jockey Peter Scudamore and trainers Martin Pipe and Jimmy Frost take part. More than 100 horses and riders took part in the event and the total amount raised is expected to be in the region of £3,500. The event was the brainchild of Tavistock resident Allen Lewis, whose son Paul is autistic. Funds raised from the horse ride will further the work of the Son-Rise Programme for Autism in the UK. The programme, which originates from America, has been used on some autistic children in the UK including Paul with very successful results. Bob Champion presented medals to the riders and signed copies of his book 'Champions'. The former jockey won the Grand National in 1981 while recovering from cancer, from which doctors said he only had a 40% chance of surviving. Two years later he formed the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. Mr Lewis, back in the saddle after a nine-year-gap, said he was amazed by the turn-out and 'huge crowd' on foot.