MASCOTS were back under starter's orders at the weekend for a 15th annual charity fundraiser – the biggest event of its kind in the world.

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup returned.

And 70 competitors took part in yesterday's event, at Wetherby Racecourse.

Those who signed-up for the race, which was sponsored by Poundland, had the option of bringing their own mascot or 'adopting' one.

The event was hailed as a huge success, raising £15,000 for the Sue Ryder charity – which runs Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope.

Winner of the race – which involves negotiating six small fences and a final furlong, in front of raceday spectators – was Danger Mouse, aka 22-year-old Kieran Harness.

Second was Pure Lettings Pony – representing Pure Lettings of Keighley – and third was Frankie Fire Dog, for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.

A prize for the last mascot home without stopping went to Lego Man, Rachel Amner.

Entrants also included Keighley MP, Robbie Moore, who took part as Cliff the Castle and finished in 43rd place – despite falling at the third fence.

Prior to the race, the mascots took part in a special parade where punters could place bets on their favourites and a number of prizes were up for grabs. Pure Lettings Pony was named the best mascot on parade, whilst an accolade for 'most entertaining mascot' went to Baby G, aka Lou Blackwell.

The mascot that raised the most for Sue Ryder – £2,500 – was Spud, Bobby Brown, representing the Reservoir Tavern in Keighley.

Andrew Wood, community fundraising manager at Manorlands, said: "The Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup is always so much fun and we were delighted to see everyone back after a two-year break and having such a good time.

"Thanks go to our sponsor Poundland, Wetherby Racecourse and Conference Centre for hosting the event, and to everyone who took part in the race or came along to cheer on their favourite mascot.

"The brilliant funds raised for Sue Ryder will help us continue to be there when it matters for people going through the most difficult time of their lives."

Since its inception in 2005, the event has raised over £175,000 for Sue Ryder.

Manorlands supports patients and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale plus parts of Bradford.