RACING WELFARE LAUNCHES SECOND ‘RACING COME DANCING’ DATE AT NEWBURY AND IS INVITING APPLICATIONS, WITH DAN SKELTON AMONG THE FIRST TO SIGN UP – AND TOMMO TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT YORK

Following overwhelming interest for its inaugural Racing Come Dancing event due to take place on 8th November, Racing Welfare has today announced the launch of a second date in the South – with Newbury Racecourse set to host the newly added show on 2nd November. The charity is now inviting applications for the Newbury event, and among the first to sign up is Dan Skelton, who will be trading the parade ring for the dance floor in the pursuit of raising vital funds.

The expansion comes in response to all places being filled for the York Racecourse event on 8th November in just two weeks, and further interest from those based in the South. This glittering new charity event will bring the glamour of ‘Strictly’ to the heart of the horseracing community. Participants from across the horseracing industry will perform solo and group ballroom routines in front of a celebrity judging panel and live audience, following eight weeks of free professional training.

Dan Skelton said of his involvement: “Gemma Waterhouse talked me into this. I can’t dance! But Grace can and Florence is the biggest Strictly fan so I’ll be doing all I can to not let them down. It’s for a great cause and we’re always going to support where we can. I’m off to find a dance miracle worker now as this will be too big a job for the standard dance instructor!”

He may have stepped back from the commentary box, but Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson will also be putting his best foot forward, having signed up for York, partnered by his wife, Caroline.

Tommo said: “Strictly speaking I leapt at the chance! I might be a shrinking violet but to get the chance to share my best John Travolta moves – well, it didn’t take much to point my arm in the right direction. I’ll be doing my best to bring some Night Fever action to the dance floor at York, sequins and bell bottoms at the ready!

“And what a great charity to be supporting – Racing Welfare. Where would our great industry be without their vital support, advice and financial assistance where necessary? Our sport requires incredible physical and mental stamina, which isn’t always easy, but Racing Welfare is always there for you. As they say: happy staff, happy horses. And I very much hope my taking part in this great event will raise some laughs too!”

Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow commented: “The response to Racing Come Dancing has been phenomenal, and we’re so excited to now be opening up a second event at Newbury, giving even more people the chance to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, this is about having fun, challenging yourself, and coming together as a community to support something truly important. Every step on the dancefloor helps us raise vital funds to support racing’s people.

“We’d love to see applications from right across the industry, especially from those in the South who might not have been able to take part in the York event. It’s your chance to shine and make a real difference, and we’re incredibly to grateful to those who have already signed up. We can’t wait to see you in action!”

Participants from both events will include a mix of familiar racing faces – from trainers and jockeys to stable and racecourse staff – with full line-ups to be finalised and announced in the coming weeks. Training for the York event will take place at Thirsk Racecourse starting in September, while training details for Newbury will be confirmed shortly.

Those interested in taking part in Racing Come Dancing at Newbury are encouraged to contact jwhite@racingwelfare.co.uk / 07788 868882 ahead of the closing date of 31st August. Further details are available at: www.racingwelfare.co.uk/events

Tickets for both the York and Newbury events will go on sale from 15th September.