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

We are used to looking forward to Saturdays in racing and this weekend is no different with the live final of Racing Welfare's industry-wide singing competition the Furlong Factor, which has showcased the hidden talents many possess.

A shortlist of 24 has been whittled down to six via a succession of heats held on Twitter during the last week, with two wildcard entries added to the final eight by jockey-turned-pop star JJ Hamblett.

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The competition, held to raise awareness of Racing Welfare's Emergency Covid-19 appeal and provide enjoyment and entertainment while racing is shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, has proved popular with the likes of singer Gabrielle showcasing her support.

Among those who will be competing in the final on Sky Sports Racing (SSR) on Saturday is Newmarket trainer James Ferguson, who has been struck by the overall quality of the competition.

He said: "It's an amazing idea and it's definitely got everyone involved every night and talking about. Racing Welfare do so much and much of it goes unnoticed, so now for it to be in the forefront of people's minds and seeing what they can offer is a really good thing.

"I was sitting at home and I have always been interested in music so I wanted to do something. Did I ever think I'd get through to the final? No, because the competition has been so strong. It really has been incredible how good everyone has been and how wide the range of people getting involved from racing has been.

"Hopefully everyone gets a chance to sit down and watch the final on Saturday and have some entertainment. It's been what everyone has been talking about on the Heath in Newmarket all week and I'm sure that's the same across racing yards."

James Ferguson (right): one of eight finalists for the Furlong FactorCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com)

Alongside Ferguson, marketing manager Lara Telfer, amateur jockey Fred Tett, racing manager Lucy Barry and stud hand Kristen Wheeler have made the final, as have Lilli Hines and Annie Martin, riders for Godolphin pre-training and William Haggas respectively, and groom Rebecca Thomas.

Their performances will be available on Racing Welfare's social media from 2pm on Saturday with the public able to vote for who they want to win until 4pm before Luke Harvey reveals the winner at 5pm on SSR. Betting will be available on the Tote on Saturday until 1.30pm with funds raised going to the charity.

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Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare's chief executive, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support the Furlong Factor has received, and I hope that the competition has raised awareness of our services during these difficult times.

"The demand for help from Racing Welfare has never been higher than now and I would ask everyone who has been watching and enjoying the Furlong Factor so far to donate to our Covid-19 Emergency Appeal if they can. We really do appreciate your support."

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