SOME unusual thoroughbreds took to the turf at Worcester Racecourse in the name of charity.

The bets were on for the St Richard’s Hospice panto horse race, with about £3,000 raised by those having a flutter.

George Pickard and Will Kerton, of ReadyHedge, who were dressed as a cow, led home the field of 11 after galloping over one furlong.

Second and third past the post were Graffica and Free Radio respectively, while the best turned out award went to ESP for its My Little Pony entry.

Lizzie Brazier, St Richard’s Hospice fund-raiser, said: “We are really pleased with the amount it has raised this year.

"It proved to be really popular with 11 teams – the most we have ever had.

“It was a perfect night if a little warm, as some of the runners suffered a little bit.

"We have had a positive response and people want to do it again next year.”

The charity provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,300 patients and family members across the county.

Patients are cared for in the day hospice, a 16-bed in-patient unit, or in their own homes by a specialist professional team, as well as trained volunteers.