The turf at Wetherby Racecourse is usually reserved for horses, but this season it will welcome its first whale as part of the Mascot Gold Cup.

Wetherby Whaler’s mascot, Wally the Whale, will be the first whale to grace the turf at the York Road racecourse when he enters the Mascot Gold Cup. 

The world^s largest mascot race, the Mascot Gold Cup is a fundraising event organised by Sue Ryder in aid of its Manorlands Hospice. Located in Oxenhope, the hospice provides palliative care and complementary therapy services to support people with life-limiting conditions.

This year marks the eleventh Mascot Gold Cup, which last year set a Guinness World Record for the most mascots in a single race, 125, and organisers are anticipating similar numbers this year. 

Following a Mascot Parade and ‘best dressed’ competition, Wally, along with many other mascots from sports clubs, businesses and organisations across Yorkshire, will sprint the final furlong tackling various obstacles along the way, with the winner taking home the much-coveted Mascot Gold Cup.

Janine Murphy, co-owner of The Wetherby Whaler, said: "Wally is really looking forward to the Mascot Gold Cup. He’s been training hard with a strict nutritional regime of fish and chips. Despite being a whale, he is pretty fast on his feet so we think he has a pretty good chance of placing.

"Sue Ryder does great work helping people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses across the UK. We’re pleased to be part of an event which will help those who use Sue Ryder’s services here in Yorkshire at both Manorlands Hospice and Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds.”

Event lead and Sue Ryder Senior Fundraiser, Andrew Wood, said: "We at Sue Ryder are delighted that local mascot, Wally the Whale will be making his Mascot Gold Cup debut.

"To my knowledge Wally will be the first whale to enter in the event’s history. Our lack of knowledge about his form could give the race handicapper a real problem!”