Event Report: The London Pantomime Horse Race

The crowds lined the streets of Greenwich for the 5th Annual London Pantomime Horse Race today.

It was a case of “may the horse be with you” as Star Wars characters lined up for a special Science Fiction themed event.

A dozen horses (and one zebra) – raced through the streets to raise money for the Demelza Children’s Hospice in a event sponsored by The Poke.

Racing pundit John McCririck was also on hand to give punters the best odds, before the horses cantered through the starting gate at Devonport House, trying their best to avoid cars and the crowds.

Here’s how they day went…

There was a procession through the streets of lead by Darth Vader and a squad of Storm Troopers.

There were at least four Princess Leias…some with bigger hair than others…

And a C3P0…

Best Princess L hair ever Panto Horse race #MaytheHorsebewithyou pic.twitter.com/zuQxHOzREw

— Stephen Brain (@Brain1Brain) December 14, 2014

Some reporters couldn’t quite take it all in…

Filming with John McCririck at the pantomime horse race in Greenwich for ITV. It doesn’t get more random than this. pic.twitter.com/ipN9rKnDUm — Jamie Shepherd (@jamie_shepherd) December 14, 2014

The wonderful @JohnMcCririck interviews runner in GreenwichPantoHorse race #maytheforcebewithyou @Demelza pic.twitter.com/4vR67g0YkI — Tee Dobinson (@TeeDobinson) December 14, 2014

Then Dev (aka Jimmi Harkishin) from Coronation Street turned up in a pink horse outfit borrowed from Katie Price.

‘Groomed and ready…..’

#londonpantomimehorserace takes place in #Greenwich. http://t.co/ij4nNl4a0K @LondonPHRace @horseandhound #NewsPics pic.twitter.com/xuacJ1Zek9

— Lee Thomas (@leept1) December 14, 2014

London Pantomime Horse race with Darth Vader http://t.co/XDqmOLeZEM #DarthVader #StarWars #scifi @LondonPHRace #panto #horses — Paul Brown (@PaulAlexBrown) December 14, 2014

And they’re off..

Broadcaster John McCririrck lead the live commentary from his rickshaw

The horses stopped for refreshment and photo opportunities at pubs along the route.

Watching the pantomime horse race in Greenwich. Deliciously mad! pic.twitter.com/R90KKB1kuM

— Rachel McMillan (@RachelMcNursery) December 14, 2014

And spoke to TV crews from around the world (including China and Turkey, yes seriously)

Hey does anyone know the rules ? Apparently a drink in every pub inc Oliver’s Bar ? #MaytheHorsebewithyou pic.twitter.com/6e4hZHGYzD — Kate Middleton (@KateM45) December 14, 2014

Racers Rob Norman and Sophie Divangin stop for a G&T… 

Mike Wood and Adam Stakemire, both from Greenwich, galloped across the finish line in a zebra outfit.

 

After a stewards enquiry, the official winner was the horse from The Pelton Arms who crossed the line first.

Well done to all of the horses that took part!