History calls for hospice horses

It is horse racing - but not as we know it. In fact there has probably never been anything quite like it since Chester’s unique racecourse staged its first ever event as far back as 1539!

There will be the usual admiring looks - and probably a few gasps of stunned surprise - as the highly-trained thoroughbreds are led around the parade ring before trotting onto the course and jockeying for position as they prepare to come under starter’s orders.

As the starter’s flag drops, they’ll be off, as many as 30 runners, muscles flexed and every one firmly focused on being the first across the finish line to claim the glory.

But don’t expect thundering hooves and flying turf in this race and there won’t be a jockey in sight. This is the Pantohorse Derby, believed the first ever to be staged at Chester’s prestigious course.

There will be thousands watching at the Roodee and on TV as the runners set off on their amble to the finish line at 1.00pm on Saturday, 16 September.

It will be the first race on a packed and highly-popular Autumn festival racecard, organised as a vital fundraiser to support the work of the team at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd that provide end-of-life care and support to local individuals and families when they are at their most afraid and vulnerable.

The hospice’s Director of Income Generation, Caroline Siddall said:

“This is going to be a bit special – a proper spectacle and a lot of fun but for a really serious and worthwhile cause,”

“Support from the community has already been quite incredible,” she continued.  “Local business and other organisation have either bought or sponsored the horses and provided the pairs of runners. They also get to name and dress up their own horse.

“This will be something really special to be part of. It’s a safe bet that this will be a real spectacle to remember and one that will massively benefit the work of the hospice team.”

Caroline added:

“There’s still time to enter and I hope that other local businesses will want to be part of the fun.”

The race is sponsored by Centric Energy Solutions. There will be prizes for the first across the finish line, the best turned-out horse and owner, and the most successful fundraiser."

Commented Chester Racecourse Chief Executive Officer Louise Stewart:

“The work of the hospice within our local community is so important,”

“Most of us know someone - a loved one, colleague or neighbour - who has benefitted from the skills and commitment of the hospice team. As soon as the idea of the pantomime horse race was mentioned, we knew we wanted to get behind it.” 

The closing date for race entries is Monday 11 September.

For more information, call the hospice fundraising team on:

01244 851811

...or visit:

http://www.hospicegs.com