APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR FOUR STABLE STAFF RACES
Racing Welfare are giving stable staff across the country the opportunity to ride in one of four charity races as part of Racing Staff Week (22-28th June).
The annual campaign, sponsored by Betfair, seeks to celebrate people working all across the industry whose skills, dedication and passion are so vital to the sport. The four charity races are a highlight of the week, and applications are being encouraged with entries closing soon.
The four dates include:
Ayr Racecourse – Saturday 22nd June – Distance: Six furlongs
Chepstow Racecourse – Monday 24th June – Distance: One mile two furlongs
Newbury Racecourse – Tuesday 25th June – Distance: One mile
Nottingham Racecourse – Thursday 27th June – Distance: Six furlongs
Racing Welfare’s corporate fundraising and events manager Clare Kingston said: “If you’ve ever dreamt of riding in a race, now is your chance. We have the opportunity for up to 48 members of stable staff to experience the ultimate thrill of riding in a race and I’d encourage any trainers to consider whether they have members of staff they’d like to put forward – it’s not limited to one member of staff per trainer. These races always prove extremely popular and I’m sure this year will be no different so please get your entries in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
Last year’s Newbury winner Ciera McKeown took the spoils aboard her own Liberated Lad for trainer Ben Brookhouse. Speaking afterwards she said of the experience: “It was amazing. I didn’t think I’d win but I had high hopes that he’d run well. It was surreal coming round at the 3f and I thought at least someone’s going to come past me here and they didn’t! I’m so happy with him. I might consider the jockey thing now!
“It’s such a great opportunity, you don’t get to ride on a racetrack every day. You ride them at home but it’s not the same as riding on a track. It gives you an opportunity to see what it’s like and what jockeys go through.”
The charity races not only give participants a once in a lifetime opportunity, but also serve to raise awareness and funds for Racing Welfare. Last year’s renewals during Racing Staff Week collectively raised more than £70,000, which goes back into the sport through helping to fund Racing Welfare’s crucial support services for people working in the industry.
Nominations should come from BHA-licensed trainers on behalf of stable staff employees. To find out more or to make a nomination, please go to racingwelfare.co.uk/rsw or contact ckingston@racingwelfare.co.uk