Lining up and waiting for the raised flag, seven pantomime horses galloped along the track at Sandown Park in aid of the mayor’s charity.

Mayor of Elmbridge Councillor Mike Bennison hosted his annual race evening on Thursday, August 8, in aid of Riding for the Disabled (RDA), Leatherhead and Horsley and Bookham Groups.

Pulling on their comedy horse outfits, teams from Riding for the Disable, P&G, Sandown Park and Elmbridge Council ran with enthusiasm in a bid to be crowned the winner.

Coun Bennison set the horses on their way at the start of the race, with Michael Aspel waiting at the finish line to present the winners with the cup, medals and a bottle of champagne.

In a close run race, Riding for the Disabled’s horse Deb-Arkle crossed the finish line first and was named this year’s winner.

Coun Bennison said: “I am thrilled that Sandown Park racecourse has again hosted the Mayor’s Race Evening for 2013.

“The pantomime horse race is always a huge highlight in the year and it’s a real pleasure to thank all of those who entered for their sense of fun and commitment. Congratulations to the winners.

“I would also like to thank the exit collectors from the RDA for collecting money for the charity at the end of the evening.”