Gloucestershire singer Lara Telfer has won the final of Racing Welfare’s Furlong Factor singing competition, raising money for charity during the Coronavirus crisis, on Saturday 9 May 2020.
During lockdown, amateur singers from across the racing industry have been going head-to-head for the title of Racing’s Singing Superstar.
All 24 contestants videoed themselves singing at home, then entered the videos into online heats on Racing Welfare’s Facebook and Twitter pages, before taking part in the live final on Sky Sports Racing.
Lara Telfer, who is the Regional Marketing Manager for the Jockey Club’s South West region, based at Cheltenham Racecourse, had never sung in public before winning the competition with her beautiful rendition of James Bay’s ‘Let It Go’.
Lara said: ‘I actually can’t believe it, there were such good singers in the final, they were all incredible, I’m gobsmacked!
‘It’s been really fun and we can’t forget what it’s all about. Racing Welfare does an amazing job and it’s been a fantastic campaign to not only raise awareness for them but to raise some funds at a time they really need it and I’m glad I could be a part of it.’
Lara received support on Twitter from some famous faces including ITV racing’s Chris Hughes, Paul Nicholls OBE, and Oli Bell. Tweeting his support for the competition Oli said: ‘They’re all brilliant, but someone needs to give Lara Telfer a record deal.’
All the funds raised during the Furlong Factor will go to the Racing Welfare Covid-19 Emergency Appeal, which is crucial to the wellbeing of those working in the industry.
Visit racingwelfare.co.uk for more information.
