Wetherby Whaler’s Wally the Whale mascot is hoping to pip the competition to the post at the Mascot Gold Cup, after just missing a top three finish in last year’s race.

Now in its 12thyear, the Mascot Gold Cup is the world^s largest mascot race and raises money for Sue Ryder’s Manorlands and Wheatfields Hospices in Yorkshire.

Wally failed to secure a podium finish at the 2016 competition at Wetherby Racecourse, coming in fourth position after bring outpaced in the final furlong.

Caroline Murphy, Director at Wetherby Whaler, said: "Wally was really disappointed to have just missed out on a medal place at the last Mascot Gold Cup, especially as he had trained so hard and stuck to a tight meal plan of fish and chips.

"Because he did so well last year Wally will start with a handicap, but we’re sure he’ll still do very well. Considering he spends most of his time living in the water, he can be pretty quick on land!

"Although this is a bit of fun for Wally, the mission behind the Mascot Gold Cup is very serious. It raises much-needed funds for Sue Ryder, which does fantastic work helping support local people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses across the UK, and we’re pleased to be able to support that.”

Event lead and Sue Ryder Community Fundraising Manager, Andrew Wood, said: "We at Sue Ryder are delighted that local mascot, Wally the Whale will be once again taking part in the Mascot Gold Cup. He was unfortunate to just miss out on a top finish last year, but I’m sure he has been training hard over the past 12 months and will give it his all this year.”