Gobsmacked: Telfer hits the right notes to be crowned Furlong Factor winner

Having only entered to gain some practice for when she will be singing at her sister's wedding, Lara Telfer was crowned winner of the Furlong Factor on Saturday.

She may not be belting out 'Let It Go' at the nuptials, but her version of the James Bay hit was a favourite with the public and she was voted the winner of a competition set up to raise funds for Racing Welfare's Covid-19 Emergency Appeal.

The regional marketing manager at Cheltenham for Jockey Club Racecourses had won the first of six heats held in the last week and beat seven rivals in the final.

"I can't believe it," she said after being announced the winner by Luke Harvey on Sky Sports Racing. "I'm gobsmacked."

Each singer had to film themselves singing and asked about her performance Telfer, 30, said: "It took a fair few goes. I refused to look at the camera for ages then my boss at Cheltenham told me I should so I did.

"It's been really fun and you can't forget what it's all about. Everyone in racing has got behind it. Racing Welfare do an amazing job and it's been a fantastic campaign to raise awareness and raise funds at a time they need it. I'm glad I could be a part of it."

Telfer earned more than just kudos and the chance to be interviewed on television by Harvey, as her prize included £1,500 in cash and a luxury trip for two to Paris for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe.

"The prizes are thanks to the Tote and Racing Breaks and the generosity of people in racing seems to be limitless," said Rod Street, the chief executive of Great British Racing and a trustee of Racing Welfare.

"It gives people something to look forward to and we're very conscious there are a number of people out there who are struggling, so £1,500 to anyone at the moment is meaningful."

Rod Street: 'It's been absolutely brilliant'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Street was bowled over by the response to the Furlong Factor, which was the brainchild of Racing Welfare chief operating officer Gemma Waterhouse, and said: "It's been absolutely brilliant.

"Things soon snowballed with the involvement of Sky Sports Racing and the Tote and it's been a great example of everyone coming together for something that has served three purposes.

"At the core, it's about fundraising for Racing Welfare and their emergency appeal. But it's also demonstrated the vast array of talent that exists across horseracing and it's been a really lovely exercise in community spirit, it's lifted people at a time when they need it."

Racing Welfare is facing a financial shortfall with fund-raising events cancelled and Covid-19 placing huge demands on its resources.

It's hope to raise £50,000 was boosted by a £10,000 donation from stud farm Aston Mullins.

As with all talent shows, it is not just the winner of the Furlong Factor who will live long in the memory.

Street recalled: "I loved the guy from RaceTech who wore the horse's head and talked about being shy and not being able to do it without putting the mask on, which proved to be wholly unnecessary because he was brilliant. But I think everyone has covered themselves in glory."

And just like all talent shows, a stadium tour now beckons for the winners. Or at least a visit to Town Moor.

"We've been approached by Mark Spincer, the managing director at Arc, who's offered the opportunity of Doncaster staging a live version once we're able to race with crowds again," Street said.

"There is mileage in this and I think we might find this becomes a fixture."

More to read:

Who is racing's top popstar? Racing Welfare launches fundraising competition

The final eight: Furlong Factor contestants set to take to the stage on Saturday

You can donate to Racing Welfare’s Emergency Covid-19 appeal here