JOCKEYS are preparing to shed hair rather than weight in memory of two teenage riders killed in a blaze which swept through a North Yorkshire block of flats.

Scissors and shavers will come out at Doncaster Racecourse this weekend when 15 Flat jockeys get their locks sheared in aid of the Malton Fire Disaster Appeal Fund.

The fund was set up in the wake of the tragedy which claimed the lives of Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson.

The two apprentices died when the fire broke out at Buckrose Court in Norton, near Malton, in the early hours of September 5, sending the racing world into mourning.

The fund was subsequently set up by the Jockey Club’s charity Racing Welfare to raise funds for Jamie and Jan’s families and others affected by the blaze. Donations have already topped £60,000.

Saturday’s head-shave has been organised by jockeys Paul Hanagan and Tom Eaves, and among those taking part will be Malton rider Freddie Tylicki, favourite to be crowned champion apprentice that day and claim a prize which has this year been renamed after Jamie, 18, and 19-year-old Jan.

“Everybody in racing circles was absolutely gutted about what happened to Jamie and Jan,” said Paul.

“Tom and I had a chat about the best way of raising funds for the appeal and agreed we’d be up for a head-shave. As soon as it was mentioned to some of the other lads, they wanted to do it as well.

“We are going to look some sight, but it will be worth it if we can raise a lot of money.”

The Press’s racing tipster Tom O’Ryan will also be losing his hair after pledging to join in if a single sponsor donated £1,000 – which owner David Armstrong agreed to do. Meanwhile, bookmakers Paddy Power have pledged £1,000 and a collection will also be held at Saturday’s meeting.

“What this tragedy has proved is the tremendous camaraderie within racing,” said Tom O’Ryan.

“It had a dramatic effect, not only because two such talented people lost their lives, but because they were teenagers. The racing fraternity is like a family and everybody has pulled together.”

Donations to the appeal can be made through sending cheques made payable to Racing Welfare – Malton Fire Appeal to The Office, Musley Bank Stables, Malton, YO17 6TD. Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and are continuing their investigation. A man arrested in connection with the fire has been released on bail.