The RPRA is the theme sponsor for this year’s Mascot Gold Cup at Wetherby Racecourse on Thursday 31st May (rearranged from Sunday 29th April). As part of our commitment, we will ourselves be entering a mascot in this famous race - Homer the Pigeon, represented by Mark Pass of Nantwich, Cheshire. He will be escorted by reserve runners Aubrey Wallett of Kidderminster and Bill Kirby of Liverpool.

Now in its seventh year, the Gold Cup is the world’s largest Mascot race, with a field of up to 100 participants each year. It forms part of a full programme of horse racing on the evening, raising about £100,000 for various charities, including co-organisers Sue Ryder.

Homer will take part in the warm up in the Parade Ring before running in the race itself over six hurdles along the final furlong (220 yards) in front of the Grandstands. This will be followed by the presentation of the Gold Cup and ‘Mascot of the Year’ awards.

You can see footage of previous runnings of the race at www.mascotgoldcup.org.uk

Half-price tickets for all RPRA Members – kids go free

It’s sure to be a fun evening out, and it would be great to see as many RPRA members as possible in the grandstand to cheer Homer on. As an event sponsor, we have half-price vouchers to distribute to our members and their families – please send an SAE to the address above and we will send you a voucher to redeem your tickets. Accompanied children aged 15 and under go free!