CLARKSON’S Farm hero Gerald Cooper has launched a charity racehorse syndicate and named his first horse The Mullet.
Cooper has provided the five million plus viewers who watch Jeremy Clarkson’s show with endless entertainment as they struggle to decipher his Gloucestershire accent.
Tom Barnes – Commissioned by The Sunday Times MagazineSome say Cooper has single-handedly put the 80s mullet back in business[/caption]
Cooper had worked at Diddly Squat long before Clarkson and the TV crews descended on the Cotswold pile.
But tragedy struck in season three when the much-loved dry-stone-wall builder was diagnosed with prostate cancer, leaving fans around the world desperately concerned.
Having recovered, Cooper has started an affordable racehorse syndicate with Old Gold Racing in a bid to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
The 74-year-old became acquainted with the Old Gold Racing through Clarkson, who already owns The Hawkstonian, named after his brewing business, through them.
The Mullet will be in training with local Cotswold-based trainer Charlie Longsdon, whom Cooper’s family has a long-term connection with.
Cooper said: “It was a shock [speaking about his cancer diagnosis], but everyone has really supported me. The charity [Prostate Cancer UK] were great, I made it through and am now cancer-free.
“I wanted to do something [for a good cause] and I’ve known Charlie and Sophie [Longsdon] for years. I met the Old Gold people because of Jeremy and this felt like a good thing to do.
“I’m really excited about what’s ahead with The Mullet.”
Longsdon, who trained the top chaser SnowLeopardesss, added: “Having known Gerald a long time, it’s great to have him on board with our team.
“My wife Sophie has known Gerald all her life as he used to work for her father, and so that’s the main reason why The Mullet has come about.
“The Mullet is a horse who’s eager to please at home and loves to learn. He has a great way of going and has an exciting future.
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“Prostate cancer is a cause close to Gerald’s heart and it’s brilliant to be raising money for this great charity, while hopefully having a lot of fun along the way.”
The syndicate’s silks, which reflect the Prostate Cancer UK corporate colours, have a light blue body with black seams, contrasting sleeves and a white cap.
The Mullet is set to hit the racecourse next spring, and prospective owners can reserve their share today, with the sale live from Thursday 21st November.
The partnership between Old Gold Racing and Prostate Cancer UK will provide the charity with a substantial annual donation, set to be £28,500 if all 3,000 shares sell.
At just £60 per share for a 14-month term, the new ownership opportunity will mean people can experience racehorse ownership affordably.
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