THE MOST unusual participant in the Queen’s Baton Relay when it reaches Worcester this week has been revealed – former Grand National winner Pineau De Re.
Pineau De Re was trained by Richard Newland in Claines in the city, and hit the national headlines when he won the legendary race in 2014 by five lengths.
The famous horse, now 19-years-old and retired from racing, will help his rider Lizzie Brunt to bear the Baton across the famous Worcester Racecourse when the Relay arrives on Friday (July 22).
Lizzie said: “Pineau De Re is my best friend so it is a real honour to be carrying the Baton with him. I feel he deserves to be shown off for what he did in 2014 – I don’t think people appreciate he is still well and looking so healthy.”
As Lizzie is pregnant she will not be riding Pineau De Re on the big day, so she will be walking her horse and the Baton around the racecourse’s southern edge, from Sabrina Bridge to the decorative gates on the western side of the course.
Members of the Worcester Athletics Club will be running ahead of Lizzie and her famous horse, and the Army will also be present at the racecourse to host family activities.
Thousands of people are expected to line Worcester’s streets to watch Lizzie and other local Batonbearers carry the Baton through the city from 5.30pm as part of the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
