City mascot Billy Bantam is gearing up to compete in the Sue Ryder Mascot Gold Cup at Wetherby Races Family Day this Sunday (17th April 2016).
The event is world’s largest Mascot race and is now in its eleventh year.
The race will take place on the course itself after the first horse race and Billy will be running this year to raise funds for the Bradford City Community Foundation Disabled Volunteers Programme.
Before the race, Mascots take part in the Mascot Parade where punters can place bets on their favourites.
Following the parade, a one minute warm up takes place before the race begins, the Mascots run the final furlong of the racecourse in front of the cheering crowds, that's 220 yards and 6 small fences!
Mascots are encouraged to dress up for the ‘Best turned out’ award and the race is also used to present the Mascot of the Year Award.
Billy’s entry has been sponsored by Friends of Bradford City & Junior Bantams, Chair of the group Emma Tillotson said: ”The pressure is on for Billy, standards are high at the club at the minute and everyone is expecting a top 6 place!”