Mascots warm up for cup
After the Grand National and the London Marathon the third big race of the spring is set to take place on 27 April with the third running of the Mascot Gold Cup at Wetherby Races.
The event, jointly organized by Yorkshire Young Farmers and healthcare Charity Sue Ryder Care has since its creation in 2006 has quickly grown to be the largest event of its type in the world and has raised over ?31,000 for good causes.
From a local sporting viewpoint it there are some hugely important bragging rights being battled for with perhaps the key battle being between the Leeds trio of Lucas the Kop Cat, Ronnie the Rhino and the Leeds Carnegie Challenger. Other mascots flocking to Wetherby from across the UK include ‘Raw’ from Blackburn Rovers, ‘Lamby and Beefy from the TV adverts and last year’s winner Hound Dog from Bingley Harriers Athletics Club. The mascots must first take part in a parade where the ‘best turned out’ is judged before they run the final furlong and jump, stumble and fall over 6 fences in front of a 10,000 strong race day crowd.
Yorkshire YFC member and Sue Ryder Care Fundraiser Andrew Wood is delighted with the response from mascots again this year and is hoping that the 2008 race will cement the Mascot gold Cup’s reputation as the world’s premier mascot event. “The race has become a major attraction in the North of England and is a great vehicle to promote the Young Farmers Movement and the raise money for Sue Ryder Care which provides expert care throughout the UK through its network of hospices and neurological care centres.”
Whilst the mascot race will be one of the highlights of Wetherby’s “Family Day” there will also be a full race programme, a funfair a healthy hearts promotion and many other attractions.
For further information, to find which mascots in your area are competing or to organize attendance at the pre race warm up photo opportunities or the race itself contact Andrew Wood on 01535 640432 mob: 07786273718 or email Andrew.Wood@suerydercare.org.