The Furlong Factor – Competition format and how to enter

Entries have opened for a new singing competition, called the Furlong Factor, for members of the British horseracing industry in a fundraising effort for Racing Weflare’s coronavirus emergency appeal.

Racing Welfare, who provide a number of support services across the industry, have currently raised over £72,000 in the appeal and they hope this new initiative can help them reach their target of £500,000.

The competition is asking for video clips from solo, duet and group performances – as long as they work within racing – and they can either contact Racing Welfare on Whatsapp or email. The deadline is April 24.

Those successful will enter a series of heats between April 19 to May 4, which will have voting options open on Twitter. A final will be held on May 9 and the Tote have confirmed they will be offering odds on the Furlong Factor final.

The competition was launched with a trailer showing various famous people within racing singing together  The Rembrandts’ song I’ll Be There for You, made famous from the TV comedy Friends.

Luke Harvey is the guest host, he said: “I’m very proud to be involved in raising funds for Racing Welfare during these difficult times for racing.

“The industry has plenty of hidden talents from the weighing room and training ranks, to owners and stable staff and I can’t wait to see the entries flooding in.”

Dawn Goodfellow of the Racing Welfare charity added: “The lockdown has had a massive impact on racing and we are supporting more people than ever before. In the last three weeks we have seen an increase in demand for our services. We are determined to be there for everyone that needs our help. We know that racing is one big community and I very much hope that people will get involved in this initiative to support our work, and also uncover some hidden singing talent from within the sport!”

Those wishing to enter should send clips to Racing Welfare’s Whatsapp (07970 631170) or email (communications@racingwelfare.co.uk)