Richard Dunwoody to take starring role at Golden Button ride

Richard Dunwoody will be taking a different position in a race on New Year’s Eve — as the starter.

The popular former champion jockey has been lined up to drop the flag at the main event of the Hayes Golden Button Challenge 2009 on 31 December.

But as guest of honour at the popular Ledbury hunt country event, Dunwoody’s duties don’t stop there.

He will change into his trainers and run the three-mile human race along the banks of the River Severn, and then jump into his dinner jacket to open the dancing at the Golden Button Ball.

Which part Richard will look forward to the most is anyone’s guess — he is still cringing at the mention of his performance on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Hayes Golden Button Challenge is 3-mile cross-country ride styled on an original steeplechase. It takes in around 24 natural hunt jumps, between the villages of Forthampton and Town Street Farm in Tirley, Gloucestershire.

Last year Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond started the race, and in 2007, it was the role of John Francome.

For more information, visit www.goldenbutton.co.uk

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