Horse racing personalities confirmed for Lambourn whippet race day on Sunday September 14

Horse racing personalities confirmed for Lambourn whippet race day on Sunday September 14

Bragging rights in the horse racing industry will be on the line in September as some of the sport’s most recognisable names swap hooves for paws at a charity whippet racing event in Lambourn.

Three-times champion jockey Richard Hughes, Cheltenham Festival winning trainer Jamie Snowden and Royal Ascot hero Charlie Bishop will run their whippets at A Celebration of Willow at Lambourn Sports Club on Sunday, September 14.

The event is the brainchild of greyhound racing enthusiast Shaun Reynolds who lost one of his whippets to Alabama Rot in March 2024 – a one in a multi-million disease which has no cure nor understanding how it is caught.

The sports club’s football field will be transformed into a purpose-built track for the day with seven races scheduled from 3pm. The last of which, the Coppice Racing Willow Memorial Derby, is open to whippets attached to Lambourn which do not race competitively.

Charlie Bishop (below) is looking to defend the crown with champion racer Rupert while last year’s runner-up Basil, owned by Richard Hughes, also lines up.

Jamie Snowden’s pup Monkey is another to feature, with Cathal Finnegan – former assistant to Roger Charlton – running Violetta, Lauren Gillam entering Blue and Andy Bracey going for glory with Lexie.

It is hoped the event will raise £5,000 for the Alabama Rot Research Fund with tote betting, a silent auction, raffle, family lawn games, local food and drink stalls arranged plus an Irish band booked to round-off the day when racing begins.

“This event has snowballed,” said Shaun. “It was meant to be a one-off but people who came last year loved it and making it an annual fixture in the Lambourn calendar just seemed right.

“No one is admitting to wanting to win the race, but I know everyone’s competitive edge will come out when they line up.

“For anyone who hasn’t been whippet racing before, come along. I guarantee you’ll have a good time – there’ll be a real carnival atmosphere and entry remains at just a fiver"

“Alabama Rot remains a mystery, but funds raised from Willow’s story thus far have helped the University of Surrey to develop some preliminary knowledge on what might cause the disease to develop. It’s the first step in finding a cure, which I’d dearly love to happen in my lifetime.”

Tickets to A Celebration of Willow #2 are £5 and can be purchased on the door with cash. Parking is available onsite at Lambourn Sports Club with doors opening at 1pm.

Updates on the day can be followed on Facebook via ‘A Celebration of Willow #2’ or on Shaun’s X account, @95_reynolds.