Horse race celebrates Wigan-born star of stage and screen George Formby

Haydock Park is today (Friday) hosting a race celebrating local lad George Formby.
By Charles Graham
Published 24th May 2019, 09:21 BST
George Formby was a jockey before he became a world-famous entertainerGeorge Formby was a jockey before he became a world-famous entertainer
George Formby was a jockey before he became a world-famous entertainer

The ukulele-strumming star of stage, record and screen was born in Wigan and before becoming an entertainment legend was a jockey for several years.

It has become the tradition for the George Formby Society to sponsor the race on the Friday closest to what would have been George’s birthday on May 26.

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It is hoped that George's niece Geraldine Smith will perform the presentations to the owner. trainer and jockey of the winning horse.

Vivien and Gerry Mawdsley, secretary and president of the George Formby Society, present prizes to jockey William Buick after a previous birthday race at Haydock ParkVivien and Gerry Mawdsley, secretary and president of the George Formby Society, present prizes to jockey William Buick after a previous birthday race at Haydock Park
Vivien and Gerry Mawdsley, secretary and president of the George Formby Society, present prizes to jockey William Buick after a previous birthday race at Haydock Park

The attending members will then play Leaning on a Lamppost in the parade ring.

A prize is usually also awarded by the society for the Best Turned Out (nice again) horse’s groom.

The race is under starter's orders at 3.55pm.

Related topics:Wigan