Racing Welfare has once again teamed up with Great British Racing, the Tote and Sky Sports Racing in search of racing’s next pop idol with the return of singing competition the Furlong Factor.
Participants wishing to enter must record themselves singing into their phone and email their videos to communications@racingwelfare.co.uk or send them via WhatsApp to 07970 631170. The deadline for submissions is April 21.
Successful entries will go through to a round of heats which will run from April 26 to April 30 before the final is held on May 4. The final will allow people to vote for their favourite contestants via the Tote before voting is opened on Twitter with the winner to be announced live on Sky Sports Racing.
The competition held its inaugural edition last year during the suspension of racing to help raise vital funds to replace the events that Racing Welfare could not hold due to coronavirus restrictions.
All funds raised from this year’s competition will go to the charity’s Lost Events Appeal with Racing Welfare’s usual calendar of fundraising events which continue to be impacted by restrictions and racing being held behind closed doors.
Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow said: “Last year’s Furlong Factor proved to be the fillip we all needed and, as we come out of the dark winter months and a tough time for the industry, I very much hope that this year’s competition will do the same.
“The financial impact of the pandemic continues to hit us hard, and I would encourage anyone who enjoys this year’s Furlong Factor to consider donating to our Lost Events Appeal. Every donation, no matter how big or small, enables us to help those who need us the most at this time.”
Rod Street, Chief Executive of GBR, added: “The Furlong Factor raised both smiles and money last year. GBR was proud to be associated with such a fun and innovative event.
“A year later and the sport is still dealing with the effects of Covid, so there is definitely good reason to cheer people up and generate money for Racing Welfare whose fundraising has been affected by the pandemic, whilst its services have never been more needed. We unearthed a lot of talent last year and we know that there is more out there!”
