Racing stars sign up for two nights of 'fun and glamorous' dancing spectacular in aid of Racing Welfare

Derek Thompson and Cheltenham Festival-winning trainers are among those who will hit the dance floor after the line-up for racing's own version of Strictly Come Dancing was revealed.

Racing Come Dancing will see a host of personalities from the sport come together to raise money for Racing Welfare, with black-tie events taking place at Newbury on November 2 and at York on November 8. Dan Skelton had already announced he would be taking part alongside his wife Grace.

Also taking to the floor will be Jamie Snowden, Ben Pauling, Tim Vaughan, Warren Greatrex and Adrian Nicholls. Jockey Finley Marsh and Racing TV presenter Niall Hannity will also be participating.

There will be ten couples taking part at each venue and each contestant will be given eight weeks of free professional ballroom dancing tuition sponsored by the Tote.

It is the second challenge Greatrex will take part in for Racing Welfare. He previously completed a 22-mile hike from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey in the summer, which raised more than £100,000.

He said: "I thought the first one 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.

Warren Greatrex and Clare LuckCredit: Racing Welfare

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

Also taking part will be Racing Welfare's chief executive Dawn Goodfellow, who will be dancing with her husband Mike.

She 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 the Tote for sponsoring the training.

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

Those wishing to attend either event can purchase tickets here.

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