MASCOTS are under starter's orders for an annual Sue Ryder fundraiser.
The 17th Mascot Gold Cup takes place at Wetherby racecourse on April 28.
Sponsored by Poundland, the event is the biggest of its kind in the world.
Mascots take part in a parade – with awards up for grabs – before the race itself, held over a furlong and with six fences to negotiate.
More than 70 entrants have so far signed up for this year's event.
Organisers hope the latest race will see the amount raised over the years for Sue Ryder, which runs Manorlands hospice at Oxenhope, break through the £200,000 mark.
Andrew Wood, community fundraising manager at Manorlands, says: "The Mascot Gold Cup has become a key part of Wetherby Races family day and provides brilliant entertainment whilst also helping raise funds.
"Thanks go to our sponsor, Poundland – this is the final year of its three-year sponsorship of the race and we hope we can go out with them on a real high. We're looking for a new headline sponsor for 2025, so are keen to hear from any businesses that might be interested."
For more about the event and to sign up, visit sueryder.org/mascotgoldcup
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