A business is being sought to sponsor a major race at Carlisle Racecourse.

The venue is holding its second Red Rum Day - named after the famour three-time Grand National winner - designed to celebrate the lsteeplechaser and support racing’s many unsung heroes.

Red Rum prepared for each of his National wins in the 1970s by first winning Carlisle’s Windermere Handicap Chase, which was resurrected last year to mark 40 years since the horse's last winner in Cumbria in 1976.

The race will return this year on Thursday, October 19 with all proceeds going to Racing Welfare, the registered charity which supports British horseracing’s workforce.

The sponsorship is open to individuals or companies who will have the race named after them and every penny raised going to help racing’s dedicated stable and support staff.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s general manager, said: “We are very proud of our connection to Red Rum and last year’s Red Rum Day was such a huge success we wanted to make it an annual event.

“This year we wanted to create something more than a tribute to the world’s most famous steeplechaser – we wanted to celebrate and support the many unsung heroes in our sport.

“Racing Welfare offers crucial guidance and practical help to the many hundreds of stable and support staff whose dedication is vital, for not only the success but also the well-being of our wonderful sport.

“Racing in this country would simply not happen without these fantastic people, many of who live away from home throughout their careers and give so much to the sport.

“Red Rum was a true star of racing who made headlines the world over. We think it is a fitting tribute that his name and fame should live on and help support the behind the scenes staff who help create such legends.”

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Carlisle have chosen to support Racing Welfare through this exciting sponsorship opportunity by celebrating the legendary steeplechaser Red Rum.

“We greatly appreciate Carlisle’s support in recognising all the dedicated staff working behind the scenes of British horseracing.”

To submit a bid to sponsor email Geraldine.McKay@thejockeyclub.co.uk or call the racecourse on 01228 554700. Bids must be submitted by 5pm Thursday October 12.