RACING COME DANCING RETURNS FOR A GLITTERING NIGHT OF FUNDRAISING, FUN AND FIERCE COMPETITION!
Racing Welfare is delighted to announce the return of Racing Come Dancing, one of the racing industry’s most anticipated fundraising events, taking place on Sunday 8th November at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Following weeks of intensive dance training, nine couples from across the racing industry will take to the dance floor in a spectacular ‘Strictly-style’ competition, all in aid of Racing Welfare. The evening will include a drinks reception, three-course dinner, live performances, audience voting and an after-party, with all funds raised helping Racing Welfare continue its vital work supporting racing’s people.
This year’s Racing Come Dancing line-up is led by former Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer, trainer Ben Pauling, former leading jockey and now ITV Racing presenter Tom Scudamore, and Lingfield Park’s viral ‘Green Goddesses’, Jon Harris and Lance Whisselle. They join other industry names and Racing Welfare supporters for the glamorous fundraising competition.
Full list of dancing couples:
- Martin Dwyer and daughter, Daisy
- Ben Pauling and Dolly Maude
- Tom Scudamore and wife Sara
- Jon Harris and Lance Whisselle (Lingfield Park’s Green Goddesses)
- Mattie Batchelor and Jemima Beare
- Brendan Powell Jnr and partner Lucy Barry
- AJ O’Neill and sister Louise
- Pat Phelan and partner Linda Leon
- Jane Jackson and husband Rob Jackson
The event will also welcome back last year’s Glitterball champions Tom Malone and his wife Sara, with Tom joining the judging panel alongside Alice Plunkett (Fox-Pitt), Richard Phillips and TV personality and former BBC Strictly Come Dancing winner, Chris Hollins.
Tom Malone said: “Winning Racing Come Dancing with my wife Sara last year was one of the most enjoyable and unexpected things we’ve ever done. We signed up to support an incredible charity and ended up
having the time of our lives. I’m delighted to be coming back as a judge this year. Having experienced the nerves, sore feet and countless practice sessions firsthand, I know exactly what this year’s contestants are going through. If last year is anything to go by, the audience is in for an amazing evening.”
Ben Pauling said: “I’ve done a few challenges for Racing Welfare over the years and somehow always seem to end up in Lycra! After surviving a 24-hour bike ride in 2022, I thought I’d earned a break, but apparently not. Dancing in front of hundreds of people feels every bit as daunting. Racing Welfare does incredible work for everyone in our industry and that’s why I’m always happy to get involved.”
Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Racing Come Dancing captures everything that is special about our industry. It brings together people from every corner of racing, from jockeys and trainers to racecourse teams, supporters and industry professionals, all united by a desire to have fun, challenge themselves and make a real difference to the lives of racing’s people. This year’s line-up is fantastic. We have household names from the weighing room, a leading National Hunt trainer, family teams, and even the famous Green Goddesses of Lingfield Park!
“What makes the event truly special is that behind the sequins, dance routines and friendly rivalry lies a very serious purpose. Every ticket sold, every vote cast and every pound raised will help Racing Welfare continue providing practical, emotional and financial support to the people who dedicate their lives to British horseracing. We would encourage anyone thinking of joining us to book early. This is one of those unique racing events that people remember long after the final dance.”
Racing Come Dancing 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining nights in the racing calendar. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so supporters are urged to secure their place now, cheer on their favourite couple and help raise vital funds for Racing Welfare. Head to racingwelfare.co.uk to book tickets now.