Twelve-year-old Sam, who goes to the Golden Arrows Boxing Club in Pendleton, has proved himself a champ in his own right when it comes to courage.
Although going to the club twice a week, he's never picked up a scratch but lost his front teeth when involved in a road accident at Half Edge Lane, Eccles, while on his paper round delivering the Manchester Evening News.
Now we've fixed it for Sam, of nearby St George's Crescent, to join the Hitman and famous punter Agnes Haddock at the prestigious event to be filmed by Channel M and organised by the M.E.N. in association with Haydock, Salford bookie Fred Done and Sport Tours.
Treatment
Readers can go to the race day for the amazing offer of £5 for a family of four. Hundreds have already taken up the opportunity to join us in the Newton Stand and there are still tickets available on 01942 402624.
Sam, who spent three nights at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury for treatment to his mouth, hip and arms, said: "I got back doing my paper round after a couple of weeks.
"Now I will have to decide whether to put some of my wages on the horses. I have never been to the races before and meeting Ricky should be great."
His mum Melanie, a newly-qualified teacher, added: "They were great at the newsagents. Sam was in a right mess and his bike which he was riding to cross the road was in such a bad state it had to be taken straight to the tip."
The focus on Sunday will be firmly on the family with clowns, jugglers, face painting and a Punch and Judy show…and we can announce today free vimto for the children.
Vimto, with its 100-year-old secret recipe, is based near Manchester's adopted track just down the East Lancs Road at Newton-le-Willows. Vimto - celebrating its Centenary year - was launched in Manchester when it was marketed as a health tonic to give you `vim and vigour'.
The brand has since gone on to become established as a firm national favourite and is available in more than 65 countries.
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