The Mascot Gold Cup field parade at Wetherby Credit: David Carr Jo Mason is going all out to break new ground by winning a Gold Cup with a difference at Wetherby on Sunday. Competing in the Royal Ascot, Ayr or Cheltenham versions is pretty much like taking part in any other race for a rider – put on your colours, get mounted and hope it is your day. But Mason is hoping to become the first jockey to win the Mascot Gold Cup, a helter-skelter dash down the final furlong at Wetherby. Rather than skintight silks, she will be wearing a bulky hedgehog outfit in a race that takes in six obstacles, including a double and a water jump, and competing under the name 'Not So Slow Jo'. Jo Mason in her more usual racing outfit Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos) “I’ve been roped in by Go Racing In Yorkshire," said Mason, who has ridden well over 200 more conventional winners on the Flat and will doubtless be doing her day job in the normal races on the card. She has already got in some practice in her rather limiting costume and said: "I was thinking, ‘What outfit can I get that I can run in and win in?’ The hedgehog is a bit limiting, so I might have to touch it up a little. "I tried it on when we had a training session with York City football team and their mascots, and I hope it’s looking promising. I'd just better not injure myself before I ride!” The Mascot Gold Cup has become a traditional — if bizarre — opening to Wetherby's first Flat meeting of the season since it was first staged in 2005. It set a world record for the most contestants in a mascot race in 2015. The race has raised more than £250,000 for Sue Ryder and other charities over the last 18 years. Others taking part this year include Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore (for the second time) and mascots from Harrogate Town, Northallerton Town, York City, Whitby Town and Marske United. Lindsey McManus, who works for Sue Ryder, said: "People take part for so many different reasons. We even had a newly married couple compete as part of their wedding celebrations.” The organisers have around 100 costumes of their own and it is not too late to take part — simply register here. Read these next: Nico de Boinville 'definitely won't be riding this week or next' with Nicky Henderson left searching for Jonbon jockey 'Well done . . . when are you going home?' - Willie Mullins on the title race, his owners and why his travel plans are being impacted New trainer enjoys 'proud moment' after saddling first winner since leaving Alan King Sign up to receive On The Nose