Friday, 20th April: Visitors to Market Rasen Racecourse’s ‘Horseplay Raceday’ in May will get the chance to meet a famous winner of the Grand National at Aintree.

Neptune Collonges, the first grey horse for over 50 years to win the world’s greatest steeple chase when he triumphed in 2012, is among the well-known equine names in a parade of former racehorses.

The event also features Mad Moose, who lived up to his name on the track by being a lovable rogue, and Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival winner, Junior.

‘Horseplay Raceday’ takes place at the Lincolnshire racecourse on Sunday, 20th May, a day of fantastic sport, education and fun. There will be show jumping and dressage including a side-saddle display with former racehorse Wild West.

Racing fans will have the chance to win private ‘meet and greets’ with the equine stars, with competitions announced on Facebook in the build-up to the event.

On course for the big day are the real-life version of Market Rasen’s racecourse mascot, Gerald the Appaloosa, and his friend Perkin the Shetland pony. Gerald and Perkin will take part in ‘pat the pony’ sessions throughout the afternoon.

Education charity Racing to School will be providing behind the scenes tours, including trips to the start of races, inside the weighing room and in the parade ring.

Lincolnshire farrier Evan Williams will showcase his skills with shoeing demonstrations, while children can enjoy ‘horseplay activities’ and try their luck on the racehorse simulator the ‘Equiciser’.

And that’s not all. It’s also the official opening of the racecourse’s new Neigh and Play Garden.

 

A special Family Pass, costing £25, is available to purchase in advance, offering two Tattersalls Enclosure admission badges, two race-day programmes, admission for up to four children and one goodie bag.

Nadia Powell, General Manager, Market Rasen Racecourse, said:

 

“We’re offering a wonderful, fun packed, educational day out for the whole family on our ‘Horseplay Raceday’ on Sunday, 20th May. A thrilling line-up of entertainment will be laid on, with many racehorse stars of yesteryear on parade, including Grand National winner Neptune Collonges.”