02/12/10 - Hundreds Cheer on Pantomime Horse Race

Cheered on by hundreds of people – and with nothing more than pride at stake – the furry herd lined up at the starting post for a race like no other.

The free event, which is sponsored by local construction company Thomas Vale, was full of festive silliness as competitors took part in a pre-race parade to show off their steeds, as well as separate races for colts (boys), fillies (girls) and a mixed contractors race.These Races help to kick off the start of the pantomime season in a truly British style – in homage to the famous Grand National at Aintree.

The most skilled horses managed to bolt into the lead, avoiding the mayhem that ensued behind them as the wilder but obviously less talented animals bumped and fell into one another.

Many of the horses seemed to be suffering from lameness, diagnosed by pretty much anyone watching the race. It was difficult to tell which end of the animal was most afflicted – in some cases the front was dragging the rear, while in others it was definitely a case of the rear leading the front.

Thomas Vale employee, Rachel Macklin came third in the Contractor’s Race. She described the race as being a wacky and ever so slightly embarrassing event which must have been very amusing to watch for spectators.

She said; “It was nice to see all the support along the course.

“ I consider myself reasonably fit, but the extra weight of the horse costume and the sub-zero temperatures made it more difficult that I'd initially thought, not to mention having to navigate over and through the obstacles of the course which were pretty tricky! It was an entertaining event to be part of though which has enabled me to raise money for a very good cause”.

All money raised went to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which this year included The Burns Centre at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital and the Stroke Association.

The winner of each race received a bottle of champagne and a trophy, awarded by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and Tony Hyde, Managing Director of Thomas Vale Construction.