World’s largest mascot race raises £16,000 for Sue Ryder
Loveable characters crossed the finishing line at Wetherby Racecourse to bring in £16,000 for charity.
The world-record holding Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup, backed by headline sponsor OPM Group, was part of the Family Raceday and once again delivered a standout afternoon of entertainment while raising money for the charity.
This year’s winner was The Snooty Fox, improving on last year’s second‑place finish to take the title ahead of Ronnie the Rhino from Leeds Rhinos in second and Lego Man from Tynedale Rugby Club in third. Lego Man’s determined finish, completed while juggling his own mascot head after a late fall, drew huge cheers from the crowd.
The event also welcomed mascots from across the globe. Adryx, from Rome Airport, was awarded Best Dressed, while Mr and Mrs Pig, who travelled from New York, took home Most Entertaining.
A new addition for 2026, the Mini Mascot Gold Cup for children aged 5–12, proved a popular and lively warm‑up to the main race.
Looking ahead, Sue Ryder is pleased to confirm that OPM Group will continue as headline sponsor for 2027. Susan Ellison, Joint Managing Director of OPM Group, said: “Team OPM had a fantastic day at the Mascot Gold Cup, enjoying great hospitality while supporting an incredibly important cause. Huge congratulations to everyone involved, we’re proud to be part of such a positive event and we look forward to being involved again next year.”
Sue Ryder extends its thanks to every mascot, supporter and visitor who helped make the 2026 event such a success.
Entries for the 2027 Mascot Gold Cup are now open, with the widest choice of mascots available to early entrants. You can sign up here: racebest.com/races/cqtcv