Redcar’s highlight of the Spring racing season, The Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup, takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28.

And, as well as the horse races, the day will feature the added attraction of traditional children’s sports events, including an egg and spoon race, sack race, skipping race and running race.

Guest of honour will be Bob Champion, who created the greatest Grand National fairytale of all by battling back against cancer to win the great race on Aldaniti in 1981. The story went on to be turned into an epic film, Champions, starring John Hurt.

Bob, who grew up in Guisborough, will be signing copies of his new book – “I’m Champion, Call Me Bob” – and presenting prizes after the traditional children’s events.

Redcar chairman Lord Zetland said: “The traditional children’s sports add a new dimension to the Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup meeting this year, making it a real family affair. The fact that we have a sporting hero of the stature of Bob Champion will make the meeting extra-special.”

The meeting has seven scheduled horse races, starting at 1.50pm, and the gates open at 11am.

An exit collection on the day will be in aid of The Wobbleberry Challenge, set up in 2016 in memory of event rider Hannah Francis, who lost her life to bone cancer, osteosarcoma, at the age of 18. The charity encourages non-eventers to compete in a British eventing competition while raising money. So far, the charity has raised almost £250,000.

Redcar is also racing on Tuesday, May 29.

PICTURES:

Children from New Marske Primary School getting in some egg & spoon practice this week.

Bob Champion on his way to Grand National fame on Aldaniti in 1981,