A search is on for competitors to take part in the sixteenth annual Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup ahead of its hotly anticipated return to Wetherby Racecourse next month.
The world’s biggest mascot race, sponsored by Poundland, will be held at the racecourse’s Family Race Day on Sunday 30 April, with dozens of iconic mascots expected to limber up and compete against each other to raise vital funds for good causes. Those who sign up to run in the ‘fast and furry-ous’ flat race have the option of bringing their own mascot or they can ‘adopt’ a mascot to run in the race and gather sponsorship for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder or a charity of their choice.
Race regulars returning his year include last year’s runner-up Pure Lettings Pony, Justin Beaver and Mr and Mrs Sausage. Danger Mouse is the reigning champion and will also make a return to see if they can retain the prestigious title. Since its inception in 2005 the event has raised over £335,000, half of which has been for Sue Ryder, which provides expert palliative care and support to people living with life-limiting conditions, including through Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Keighley and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds.
One of last year’s entrants was Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley. He said:
“It was brilliant to be able to take part in the Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup last year in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, not least dressed as one of Keighley’s most-loved buildings, Cliff the Castle.
“This year’s Mascot Gold Cup race is again another opportunity to raise funds for a much-loved charity. Whether you’ll be running as Danger Mouse, Cliff the Castle or Zak the Zebra, I encourage everyone to get involved, as it’s great fun! Most importantly, you get the chance to represent your business, your club or your local pub in the process and raise funds for a fantastic cause.”
As well as the race itself – which involves six small fences and a final exciting furlong in front of thousands of cheering spectators – mascots also take part in a special ‘Mascot Parade’ where punters can place their bets on their favourites and a number of prizes are up for grabs.
Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder said:
“The Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup at Wetherby Races is great fun for competitors and spectators alike and this year’s race is set to be bigger and better than ever. We still have a selection of mascots left to adopt on a first-come-first-served basis so we’d love to hear from anyone who would like to give it a go.
“Proceeds raised from the event will help Sue Ryder continue to provide expert compassionate care and support to families going through the most difficult times of their lives.”
The Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup will take place at Wetherby Racecourse Family Race Day on Sunday 30 April. To see all entry options and which mascots are available to adopt, visit www.sueryder.org/mascotgoldcup
