Former jockey and now trainer Adrian Nicholls has called the first ‘Racing Come Dancing’ event a success as the charity concept raised more than £100,000 for Racing Welfare.
The North Yorkshire-based handler took part in the northern leg of the competition as he and his wife Clare teamed up with other couples including Derek ‘Tommo’ Thompson and his wife Caroline.
Rider Becky Smith and Hayley Clements, both based at Micky Hammond’s yard, were the eventual winners of the northern event at York Racecourse, while bloodstock agent Tom Malone and his wife Sara were the winners of the southern event at Newbury.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Ola Jordan, winner of Strictly 2009, and TV presenter Chris Hollins and trainer Richard Phillips judged the southern leg, where Darren Gough, former England cricket captain and Strictly Come Dancing champion himself, presented the Inkerman Glitterball Trophy to the winners. Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer was one of the judges on the northern show.
“It was brilliant, it was a very well organized event. Clare Kingston ran it so well and Joel, the dance teacher, did an incredible job of getting me into whatever shape I wanted,” said Nicholls.
“It was great to be involved and I really hope they can continue to work on it for years to come.”
Nicholls highlighted the importance of Racing Welfare in the wake of the death of young apprentice Tommie Jakes at the end of last month, and hopes the first renewal of Racing Come Dancing will be just the start of raising more vital funds.
He said: “With everything that has happened with Tommie Jakes in recent weeks it has shown many of us how important Racing Welfare is and how much these charities need our support.
“Overall racing is very good at supporting these causes, I think this event is only going to get bigger.
“The first year was always going to be trial and error, but it was a success over the two nights north and south.
“I hope they continue with it. If I don’t dance next time, I’ll definitely be there to watch!”
Dawn Goodfellow, CEO of Racing Welfare and who also took part with her husband Mike, said: “Racing Come Dancing has been a phenomenal success.
“The passion, courage and dedication of our dancers have been truly inspiring, and the support from across the industry has been overwhelming.
“A huge thank you goes to Ladbrokes for headlining our event in Newbury, to Tote for sponsoring dance training at both venues, to RaceTech for delivering fantastic live productions, and to all our dance sponsors for supporting the participants so generously.
“I would also like to thank everyone who voted or donated. Every contribution will help Racing Welfare continue its vital work for the people at the heart of British racing.”
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