HORSE racing legend Bob Champion MBE is 'in the saddle' as the special guest at Tavistock AFC's Red & Black Club on Saturday, November 7 for a charity dinner.

Former steeplechase jockey Bob will be guest speaker at the Upsides for Autism event, which is both raising awareness for local children with autism and raising proceeds for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Bob, 61, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979 but he battled the disease to go on to win the 1981 Grand National on the outsider Aldiniti. His exploits have earned him a BBC Sports Personality of the Year and his triumph was turned into an acclaimed inspirational film, 'Champion', starring John Hurt as Bob.

Organiser Allen Lewis, is delighted Bob has agreed to be at the event, which starts at 7.30pm.

He said: 'We are going to have the draw for the 2010 Son-Rise Cup senior finals which Bob will do for me.

'The finals will be played over the weekend May 9 and 10, 2010. The Ordulph Arms, 'Hamleys' Hammers, the Brockington Bashers have already entered this event, so holders Tavistock Tyres and Union United will have their work cut out to hold on to this popular trophy!'

An auction will also take place of memorabilia and super prizes in aid of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

These include racing photos and prints signed by Ginger McCain, the trainer of Grand National legend Red Rum, and his jockey Tommy Stack. who won the third historic Grand National win in 1977 on the famous racehorse.

Lester Piggott and Ruby Walsh have also signed items for the auction.

All profits that night will go to Bob's charity and there are 80 tickets only at £25 per ticket.

There will be a number on each ticket which will go into a draw and the winner will get two tickets for a free day's racing at Devon and Exeter Racecourse.

For more information call Allen on 07749 798808 or look on http://www.tavistockafc.com">www.tavistockafc.com