News

Racing Come Dancing returns at Epsom Downs with star-studded line-up

Nine couples will take part in the ‘Strictly-style’ fundraiser, with last year’s winners Tom Malone and Sara returning as part of the judging panel.

by
The Racing Ahead Team
17 September 2026

Former Derby-winning jockey Martin Dwyer, trainer Ben Pauling and ITV Racing presenter Tom Scudamore are among the racing names swapping the racecourse for the dance floor at this year’s Racing Come Dancing.

The Racing Welfare fundraiser returns to Epsom Downs Racecourse on Sunday, November 8, with nine couples preparing to battle it out in a ‘Strictly-style’ competition after weeks of intensive dance training.

The evening will feature a drinks reception, three-course dinner, live performances, audience voting and an after-party, with money raised going towards Racing Welfare’s work supporting people across the racing industry.

Dwyer will be joined by his daughter Daisy, while Pauling will partner Dolly Maude and Scudamore will dance alongside his wife Sara.

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Familiar faces return

Also taking part are Lingfield Park’s viral ‘Green Goddesses’, Jon Harris and Lance Whisselle, who became social media sensations after embracing Vernon Kay’s ‘Green Dress Wednesday’ trend while working on the racecourse.

The full line-up is completed by Mattie Batchelor and Jemima Beare, Brendan Powell Jnr and Lucy Barry, AJ O’Neill and his sister Louise, Epsom-based trainer Pat Phelan and Linda Leon, and Racing Welfare’s Philanthropy Manager Jane Jackson and her husband Rob.

Last year’s winners Tom Malone and his wife Sara will return to Epsom, although this time they will be watching from the judging panel.

Malone will join Alice Plunkett (Fox-Pitt), Richard Phillips and former BBC Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris Hollins on the judging panel.

Delighted

Malone, who lifted the Glitterball with his wife last year, said the experience had been one of the most enjoyable and unexpected challenges they had taken on.

“Winning Racing Come Dancing with my wife Sara last year was one of the most enjoyable and unexpected things we’ve ever done, he said.

“We signed up to support an incredible charity and ended up having the time of our lives.

“I’m delighted to be coming back as a judge this year.

“Having experienced the nerves, sore feet and countless practice sessions firsthand, I know exactly what this year’s contestants are going through.

“If last year is anything to go by, the audience is in for an amazing evening.”

Pauling added: “I’ve done a few challenges for Racing Welfare over the years and somehow always seem to end up in Lycra!

“After surviving a 24-hour bike ride in 2022, I thought I’d earned a break, but apparently not.

“Dancing in front of hundreds of people feels every bit as daunting.

“Racing Welfare does incredible work for everyone in our industry and that’s why I’m always happy to get involved.”

Special

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Racing Come Dancing captures everything that is special about our industry.

“It brings together people from every corner of racing, from jockeys and trainers to racecourse teams, supporters and industry professionals, all united by a desire to have fun, challenge themselves and make a real difference to the lives of racing’s people.

“This year’s line-up is fantastic.

“We have household names from the weighing room, a leading National Hunt trainer, family teams, and even the famous Green Goddesses of Lingfield Park!

“What makes the event truly special is that behind the sequins, dance routines and friendly rivalry lies a very serious purpose.

“Every ticket sold, every vote cast and every pound raised will help Racing Welfare continue providing practical, emotional and financial support to the people who dedicate their lives to British horseracing.

“We would encourage anyone thinking of joining us to book early.

“This is one of those unique racing events that people remember long after the final dance.”

Tickets for Racing Come Dancing 2026 are available through Racing Welfare, with supporters encouraged to book early ahead of what promises to be another lively night at Epsom Downs.