THE sound of hooves thundering down the track is nothing new at Lingfield Park, but race-goers may need to get their earplugs out when the racecourse stages the UK's first ever Shire Horse race.
The sight of up to eight Shires pounding down the All Weather Track will be a unique thrill for visitors to the Surrey racecourse on its annual Countryside Race-day.
Professional jump jockeys will take up the reins and cajole these larger than life equines, provided by neighbouring Hurst Green Shires, over a distance of two furlongs, whilst raising the profile of this threatened breed, as well as raise money for the Countryside Alliance Foundation.
Michelle Nudds, regional director for the Countryside Alliance, said: "Shire horses are a very important part of Britain's farming heritage, but, like so many of our unique breeds of livestock, are considered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust to be at risk of extinction.
"Events like this race serve to raise their profile in the public eye and highlight the great work Hurst Green Shires, and other bodies, do to preserve their future."
Jump jockey David Crosse is one of those who can't wait to get in the saddle on June 15 in The Flying Feathers Race – named after the horse's beautiful silky hair on the lower legs.
"We're always up for a challenge and as a Shire horse race hasn't been done before, we are all up for it," he said.
"I was surprised how nimble they are – in a much slower way of course! I can't wait for the race, it will be quite a sight."
Jacquie Gardiner, from Hurst Green Shires, added that they were passionate about the breed and excited to be taking part in the first ever race of its kind.
She said the trial rides had gone well and the Shires had seemed to enjoy the challenge of racing on the All Weather Track.
"This event gives us the opportunity to show the versatility of the Shire along with the ability of this horse to touch the hearts of everybody they meet," she said.
"In Anglo Saxon times the word furlong referred to the length of a furrow being ploughed. It was supposed to be one acre long. So it is very apt that the Shire, once the major breed of horse to work the land and plough the furrows should now be racing at Lingfield Park."
To get involved, visit www.lingfieldpark.co.uk
