UK’s first Man vs. Horse race confirmed at Kempton Park racecourse. 4 June 2010

Starting gates will be replaced with starting blocks for one of the runners at Kempton Park racecourse on Wednesday 30 June as Jamie Baulch takes on a sprint racehorse for the UK’s first Man vs. Horse 100 metre dash.

The highly-anticipated race will take place over the final 100 metres of the all-weather track and will be the last on the card at 9.40pm at this Summer Series meeting.  Live commentary will accompany the sound of hooves (and trainers) as the two sprinters compete for glory and the crowd will be able to put their money on human or animal as on-course bookies offer up odds on the unique race.

Jamie Baulch comments:
“As an athlete I competed against the best in the world on the track for over 15 years. Now I’ve retired you never know what opportunities may come your way, but I never expected a challenge to race a horse, that did shock me!

“A racehorse is going to be tough competition making this one of my biggest challenges to date, a bit different to lining up in an Olympic or World Championship final!  I have been back in training quite seriously for the last few months to step up to this challenge, I would love to not only beat the horse but raise some significant money for my charity Barnardos Cymru.”

Amy Starkey, managing director of Kempton Park racecourse, comments:
“To supplement our summer racing we are hosting the UK’s first 100 metre Man vs. Horse race in a bid to attract a new breed of racegoer to the course.  We’re hoping this unique race will provide great (if unusual) entertainment for the crowd.  It’s not every day that an Olympic medallist takes to the all-weather track.”

The racehorse will be positioned on the inside of the all-weather track, 20 metres back from his competitor Jamie Baulch on the outside lane.  Racegoers can find out more details about the Man vs. Horse race and buy tickets online at www.kempton.co.uk. 

For further information, images and to set up feature opportunities on the event please contact the Kempton Park press office at Mischief on 020 7100 9999 / 020 7841 6665 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)