“Racing Come Dancing” comes to Newbury Racecourse on Sunday 2^nd November and York Racecourse on Saturday 8^th November.

Following eight weeks of professional ballroom training, which is generously being sponsored by Tote, couples will perform a group and solo routine in front of a packed audience and celebrity judging panel. Tickets for the two special black-tie events are now on sale for those who’d like to witness the action live, including a champagne drinks reception and three-course meal.

Flying the flag for Yorkshire racing on the dancefloor at York will be:

• Racing presenter Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson and wife Caroline.
• Racing presenter Niall Hannity and Sky Bet’s Michael Shinners.
• Assistant trainer and amateur jockey Becky Smith and racing secretary Hayley Clements, both from Micky Hammond Racing.
• Operational director and amateur jockey to Tim Easterby, William Easterby and wife Lottie.
• Assistant trainer to Kevin Ryan, Adam Ryan and wife Emma.
• Former jockey Andrew Thornton and Alyson Deniel, assistant stud manager at Garrowby Stud.
• Trainer Adrian Nicholls alongside wife Clare.
• Former jockey Kevin Darley and former Racing Welfare welfare officer Helen Wilson.
• Richard Coughlan and Dawn Leadon Bolger of Digitips.
• Racing Welfare’s own chief executive Dawn Goodfellow and husband Mike.

Asked why he said ‘yes’ to taking part, Niall Hannity quipped: “Because I’m mad! I was interviewing Dawn about it and thought – right I’ll do it. I’ve already run two London marathons and the Great North Run for Racing Welfare, but as you can tell by looking at me, I can’t dance – I’m as nimble as a ship! I’ve no dancing ability whatsoever, genuinely. I think we’ll bring more comedy value than dancing value. Shinners is a legend – he tells me his dancing is horrific so I’m sure we’ll be finishing last!

“Horseracing’s been really good to me and I’ve been able to make a career out of a hobby. You see the work that Racing Welfare and IJF do to support the industry and it’s important to help if we can.”

Taking to the dancefloor at Newbury Racecourse will be:

• Trainer Dan Skelton and wife Grace.
• Trainer Warren Greatrex and Clare Luck.
• Trainer Jamie Snowden and wife Lucy.
• Jockey Finley Marsh and Amy Hunt.
• Trainer Ben Pauling and wife Sophie.
• Owners and Trainers Liaison from Leicester Racecourse Claire Main and husband Charlie.
• Former jockey and bloodstock agent Tom Malone and wife Sara.
• Trainer Tim Vaughan and wife Abbi.
• Work rider for Nigel Hawke, Esther Freeman-Robins and husband Shaun, groundsman and maintenance for Nigel Hawke.

Taking on his second Racing Welfare challenge of the year is Warren Greatrex, who completed the Castle to Abbey Challenge in July. He said: “The first one I thought was quite tough and I’ve got a funny feeling this is going to be tougher – it seemed like a good idea at the time! I’ve watched it on telly and I thought it would be fun. My dancing ability is zero – maybe at a wedding after a late night but that’s about it.

“Everyone knows my thoughts on Racing Welfare and I’m willing to do pretty much anything for this amazing charity and if we can raise some money for them we will be happy to do so.”

Speaking in dual capacity both on behalf of Racing Welfare and as a participant, Dawn Goodfellow said: “Racing Come Dancing promises to bring fun and glamour in equal proportions. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the racing community together for two wonderful evenings of entertainment, while also raising vital funds to support Racing Welfare’s work for racing’s people. Thank you to all of our dancers who are generously giving their time to take part in support of our charity, and to Tote for sponsoring the training.

“Personally, this is well out of my comfort zone – I was told in no uncertain terms by Gemma [Waterhouse, COO] that I was doing it! All the other competitors should be very grateful Mike and I are in there, because we are going to be making them look really good!”

Tote Chief Executive Alex Frost said of the Tote’s support for Racing Come Dancing: “Racing Welfare does incredibly important work supporting the sport’s workforce and we’re delighted to be part of this special event. Like everyone else, we can’t wait to see the performances after an intense few weeks of training. Good luck to everyone taking part!”

Tickets for a front-row seat at these spectacular events are on sale now. Places are very limited, so early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Go to www.racingwelfare.co.uk/events to secure your spot.

All proceeds from Racing Come Dancing will go directly to Racing Welfare, the charity that has been supporting the workforce of British horseracing for 25 years, from recruitment through to retirement.