HISTORY will be made at Wetherby Racecourse when it hosts its first flat race meeting – and a charity will attempt to break a world record with an unusual race.

The event, on Sunday, April 26, will be the first flat racing the course has seen in its 125-year history. Racegoers will also get to see the charity Mascot Gold Cup as Sue Ryder try and break the record for most mascots in a race. More than 80 furry characters took part last year and more than 100 need to take part this year to break the world record.

The race has raised £130,000 to help Sue Ryder care for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Yorkshire at their hospices in Keighley and Headingley and their neurological centre at Holme Hall, at Holme-on-Spalding Moor.

Mascots can also raise money for their own chosen charities with individuals, corporate groups and sports associations encouraged to enter. Sales and marketing manager Michelle Campbell said: “Mascot Day is always a hotly-contested event and it would be great to create a world record.”

To register for the Mascot Gold Cup phone 01535 640176 or visit mascotgoldcup.org.uk