Horseracing’s top names showcased their vocal talents last night (Monday 1 February) as they gathered in London to record the official “Cheltenham” song.
Thirty famous faces — including champion jockey AP McCoy — headed to Angel Recording Studios in Islington and recorded the chorus “Cheltenham” — sung to the tune of Petula Clark’s 1964 hit Downtown.
The single will be released in time for the Cheltenham Festival (16-19 March) and will be raising money for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust, Racing Welfare, Riding for the Disabled and the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Ireland.
John McCririck, Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith, champion trainer Paul Nicholls, trainer Nicky Henderson, champion jockey AP McCoy, presenter Derek Thompson and jockeys Sam Thomas, Paddy Brennan and Mick Fitzgerald all turned up to lend their vocal abilities.
“It was a fantastic night and a lot of fun but I never imagined I would actually be involved in the release of a single,” said Mick.
“It’s a great idea, which hopefully everyone within racing will support especially with four charities set to benefit. Let’s make it number one!”
Richard Gurney, who masterminded the song added: “It is so rare to get all these people in one room together but it is fantastic to see them all support the song for the good of racing, and most importantly for the charities it will benefit.”
The Irish recording takes place today in Dublin where another 30 racing names including Tracey Piggott, Jessie Harrington, Noel Meade, Edward O’Grady, Henry de Bromhead, Barry Geraghty, Tom Taffe, Paul Carberry, Charlie Swan, Davy Russell and Robert Power will sing.
“Cheltenham” will be downloadable for from Monday 8 March for 99p from iTunes and all other digital stores and available for £1.99 as a CD from Amazon.com, play.com and HMV.co.uk.
