Skelton and Batchelor share Racing Come Dancing title

Champion trainer Dan Skelton and former jockey Mattie Batchelor were crowned this year’s joint Racing Come Dancing champions at Epsom on Sunday.

Nine couples from across the industry competed in the ‘Strictly-style’ competition following weeks of professional dance training and the event raised £96,000 for Racing Welfare, with donations still coming in.

Skelton performed a lively Cha Cha routine alongside his wife Grace, with their daughter Flo also joining them on the dance floor, while Mattie Batchelor and Jemima Beare treated the audience to a racing-themed Charleston.

When asked whether he was happy to share victory, Skelton said: “Absolutely! (Mattie and Jemima) are insane, they all wanted a dance off but I was like no way – I’m out of here!

“We just had the greatest time, it’s such a fun environment to be involved in – everyone getting ready to go out there and perform, everyone wants each other to do so well, it’s a great experience.

“Racing Welfare organised another cracking evening, it deserves to raise a heap of money as it is such a big effort from the whole team to put it on – we’re just the lucky ones who get to dance and enjoy it! It’s a fantastic cause and a fantastic thing to do.”

Batchelor added: “We had an absolutely fantastic evening and the day was just full of laughs and everyone supporting each other.

“It’s for a great cause, Racing Welfare – what it does for stable staff and people in the horseracing industry is just fantastic and (the charity) deserves all the support it gets.

“I was glad to play a small part in raising a few pounds for Racing Welfare. Winning was a nice bonus and good to share it with Dan, Grace and Flo Skelton.”

Ben Pauling and Dolly Maude took third place after a thrilling Jive in homage to the famous dance scene from 1994 film, Pulp Fiction.

“We loved every second of it, we loved the performance more than anything else as the crowd were all behind it,” said Pauling.

The full line-up also included Derby-winning former jockey Martin Dwyer and former jockey and ITV Racing presenter Tom Scudamore.

Racing Welfare said the funds raised will help the charity provide “practical, emotional and financial support to people working in or retired from racing and thoroughbred breeding, and their families”.

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare said: “Congratulations to Dan, Grace and Flo, and Mattie and Jemima – we were blown away by their routines, and they are so deserving of this shared success.

“Thank you to every couple who dedicated their time and energy to taking on this challenge. We are grateful to everyone who attended and supported the evening, helping to raise such a staggering amount of money for racing’s people.”