Wally the Whale has been in training ahead of the Mascot Gold Cup
Thursday 20th April, 2017
Wetherby Whaler’s Wally the Whale mascot is hoping to pip the competition to the post at the Mascot Gold Cup, after just missing a top three finish in last year’s race.
Now in its 12th year, the Mascot Gold Cup is the world's largest mascot race and raises money for Sue Ryder’s Manorlands and Wheatfields Hospices in Yorkshire.
Wally failed to secure a podium finish at the 2016 competition at Wetherby Racecourse, coming in fourth position after bring outpaced in the final furlong.
Caroline Murphy, Director at Wetherby Whaler, said: “Wally was really disappointed to have just missed out on a medal place at the last Mascot Gold Cup, especially as he had trained so hard and stuck to a tight meal plan of fish and chips. Because he did so well last year Wally will start with a handicap, but we’re sure he’ll still do very well. Considering he spends most of his time living in the water, he can be pretty quick on land! Although this is a bit of fun for Wally, the mission behind the Mascot Gold Cup is very serious. It raises much-needed funds for Sue Ryder, which does fantastic work helping support local people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses across the UK, and we’re pleased to be able to support that.”
Event lead and Sue Ryder Community Fundraising Manager, Andrew Wood, said: “We at Sue Ryder are delighted that local mascot, Wally the Whale will be once again taking part in the Mascot Gold Cup. He was unfortunate to just miss out on a top finish last year, but I’m sure he has been training hard over the past 12 months and will give it his all this year.”