Do you have what it takes to win a pantomime horse race?
Ever sort of half fancied taking part in a race? Like, not actually, but the idea skims across your mind every now and then before quickly being shaken off?
Well the perfect compromise could be here in the shape of the annual Pantomime Horse Race, which returns to London on 11 December.
Completely silly and utterly for fun, teams of two will don pantomime horse costumes before dashing across Greenwich in the name of charity.
American comedian Lewis Schaffer will be hosting the pre-race ceremony at Devonport House from 11.30am with the NHS Choir, and special guests, providing live music.
Unlike the Grand National (or any other race for that matter), this features a Strictly Neigh Dancing competition with a “united neightions” theme.
Runners will then parade for the crowds before setting off on the hour-long race at 1pm.
The course takes in several pubs and finishes at the Prince of Greenwich, where finishers will find the Cheeky Girls there to serenade crowds and runners.
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Entries close today (4 December) — so you need to be quick — and the entry fee is £50 (plus a deposit and further £50 for costume hire).
“This has always been a ‘pantomime horse race’ with ‘horses’ taking part,” reads a note from the organisers.
“However, every single year, we have noticed random animals in the race, such as zebras, giraffes, elephants and even giant chickens. We do not condone this…we encourage this.”
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The post-race party, which also takes place at the “winning post” of the Prince of Greenwich, will have music from U2 tribute act U2 Tribe.
Funds raised will go to The Sick Children’s Trust, which helps families of seriously ill children in hospital stay close by.
Visit www.pantohorserace.org for details.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.