An Evening In Wetherby

Last night went rather well. My initial apprehension over performing in front of thousands of people soon evaporated once in suit and indeed beforehand when I met loads of really cool suiters.

There were a lot of professional mascots there including the official ones from Sheffield Wednesday FC, Leeds Rhinos RFC and Dewsbury Rams RFC, all of whom were lovely. There were also lots of charity mascots too and some home made suits.

We spent the early part of the race in suit entertaining the kids outside the paddock before we went into the parade ring to show off. They hadn't let the horses out of the parade ring though which was rather bizarre. Still it wad a good opportunity to perform before the official photographs were taken and we were given a minute warm up by an Army Cadet bloke. That was enough for me despite the race!

After the fourth horse race, another one where my bet didn't come in, we were led on to the track to assume our starting positions. Such was the range of mascots, we were all given a staggered start as a handicap. I was going off at 4/1 in the betting (yes the bookies were taking charity bets on it - I wouldn't have backed me at 400/1) so was plonked right at the back, starting 18 seconds later than the first lot.

The race was a furlong meaning it was nigh on impossible to catch the frontrunners but that didn't mean I didn't give it my all. I powered past a sunflower and two sausages which looked like condoms, amongst others, to finish comfortably in mid-table. The hurdles weren't a massive challenge in the end, adding another element of fun to proceedings, and I already have ideas for suit modifications for next year's race. This was the realisation of a long-held dream for me but it was so exhilarating I would love to do it again next year.

My bosses and colleagues seemed suitably impressed and after the festivities I got to pester the brass band for a bit before catching the final two races. Again, no winning bets. Loads of kids were cheering Marty to win which was cool - hope I didn't let them down.

Look North covered the event last night and I imagine it will be in the Yorkshire papers too. I don't know about nationals but this is a national event so possibly. If you would like to donate please follow the Just Giving link in Wednesday evening's post. Any monies would be gratefully received.

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