Dedicated runners have raised valuable funds and awareness for the industry’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare, which provides vital advice, guidance and practical support to people working in racing yards, studs, racecourses, and associated professions.
Category: Events
BUMPER TURNOUT FOR ARC MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY ON GOOD FRIDAY
The ARC Middleham Open Day once again proved a hit with visitors as almost 3,000 people flocked to the North Yorkshire town on Good Friday.
LAST CHANCE FOR ADVANCE TICKETS FOR POPULAR MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY
Middleham’s horseracing community is preparing to welcome thousands of people to their yards this Good Friday for their annual open day, where visitors can get a taster of life behind the scenes in North Yorkshire’s historic racing centre.
Eight local trainers will be throwing open their doors to the public on 29th March for the Arena Racing Company (ARC) sponsored Middleham Open Day, which raises vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare.
Among those getting involved is former jockey Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge (his yard will be open from 10.30-12.30), who has been plying his trade in the training ranks since 1991. Once again in 2023, Karl was the leading northern based trainer with 126 winners in total and approaching £4,000,000 in total prize money. His stable includes exciting filly Fallen Angel, who is a leading contender for Newmarket’s Qipco 1,000 Guineas in May. She has already won three times, including Group 1 success and amassed more than £250,000 in prize money.
Karl’s daughter Kelly, who also plays the role of rider and secretary said: “We’re all looking forward to welcoming people to Spigot Lodge again where they can meet some of our Group 1 horses including Fallen Angel.
“We get involved with Middleham Open Day to support Racing Welfare because they do plenty for the staff and everyone involved in the industry.”
Ticketholders will be able to access the following yards:
- Ben Haslam
- Charlie Johnston
- Micky Hammond
- Karl Burke
- Neil Mechie
- Jedd O’Keeffe
- Ed Bethell
- Danny Brooke
Racing Welfare’s local welfare officer, Gail Burton-Pye, who is based in the town said: “Our open day is such a highlight in the calendar for us here in Middleham. Each year the event attracts people from all across the country, giving them the opportunity to come and see the fantastic facilities Middleham’s training yards have to offer, meet their favourite horses and chat to the staff who care for them so well. It’s a great day out for followers of racing as well as families with all the afternoon activities on the Low Moor to enjoy after visiting the yards in the morning. We’re extremely grateful to all the trainers who have generously agreed to support the event once again and look forward to welcoming our visitors on Friday.”
Those interested in attending are urged to take advantage of discounted advance ticket prices before 28th March at 11.55pm, available from www.middlehamopenday.co.uk for just £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, while under 16s go free. Tickets can also be purchased on the day from the parking areas, the Racing Welfare gazebo in Middleham Marketplace and at the entrance to the open yards.
Vistors will have the opportunity to meet Shetland pony Little Alf, star of best-selling author Hannah Russell’s series of children books in the marketplace during the morning between yard visits. In the afternoon, the Low Moor will provide the stage for two Retraining of Racehorses classes, a demo from New Beginnings featuring popular former racehorse Burrow Seven, as well as the ever-competitive inter-yard stable staff challenge. Don’t miss your chance to enter your dog in the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show!
MIDDLEHAM RACEHORSE TRAINERS SET TO OPEN THEIR YARDS ON GOOD FRIDAY
Middleham’s horseracing community is once again pulling together to offer a fantastic day out for families and followers of racing alike this Good Friday. Tickets are on sale now for ARC Middleham Open Day, giving visitors the opportunity to access the stables of nine local trainers on 29th March and see some of North Yorkshire’s most exciting racehorses in the flesh.
Following a morning of exploring the yards, ticketholders can head to Middleham’s Low Moor for an afternoon of activities and entertainment, starting with the Retraining of Racehorses showing classes. New Beginnings will then give a demo and talk around the process of retraining and rehoming former racehorses, before the hotly contested racing staff inter-yard challenge and Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog show. Popular Household Cavalry horse Trooper Middleham will also be in attendance for one final time before he hangs up his shoes and heads into retirement.
The event directly helps to benefit the local community, with typically around 3,500 people flocking to the town for the day and raises vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare who have a strong local presence, including a designated welfare officer supporting Middleham’s racing workforce. People like *Ella, a groom and rider who has lived and worked in Middleham for eight years now.
Like many, Ella has recently been feeling the effects of spiralling bills. She applied for Racing Welfare’s Home Energy Grant and received a one-off payment of £300 to help alleviate the financial burden.
She said: “In all honesty I’ve not been putting the heating on unless it has been freezing and unbearable, or I have clothes that need drying, so it’s quite nice to relieve that pressure a bit and know that I can turn the heating on if it’s cold. The electricity bill is quite high and I rent on my own, so I have all those bills to pay. It seems as though everything has gone up!”
It’s not the first time Ella has turned to Racing Welfare for support; previously she was having quite a stressful time and confided in her local welfare officer, Gail about how she was feeling.
“She recommended I speak to the occupational therapist [via Racing Welfare’s Support Line] and they arranged for a course of six face to face counselling sessions. I found them really beneficial to the point where I then carried on having sessions. I was in quite a senior position so there was quite a bit of pressure dealing with staff and things, so it helped me become more aware of other people’s emotions and how to handle them better.
“Working in the industry we’re generally quite tough people and just get on with things but it’s great to know Racing Welfare is there if you need them. There’s such a varied range of support you can get, not just for mental health, there’s careers, finance – there is something for everyone.”
Talking of her experience working in Middleham’s racing community, Ella said: “I love the fact that it’s such a team effort and the high you get – even normal day to day races. It’s great to see the horses progress, and that bond you create with them on the yard by working with them every day.”
Visitors to ARC Middleham Open Day can get a taster of what goes on behind the scenes, with tickets giving access to all of the following trainers’ yards:
- Ben Haslam
- Charlie Johnston
- Micky Hammond
- Karl Burke
- Neil Mechie
- Jedd O’Keeffe
- Ed Bethell
- Danny Brooke
- Liam Bailey at Foulrice Park
The event provides exceptional value with discounted advance tickets available from www.middlehamopenday.co.uk for just £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, while under 16s go free.
TICKETS ON SALE FOR ARC MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY 2024
The ever-popular ARC Middleham Open Day returns on Friday 29 March, giving the public the chance to go behind the scenes at some of North Yorkshire’s finest horseracing yards.
Tickets for this family friendly event are on sale now, with seven trainers already confirmed to be opening their stables in the morning. Visitors will be able to meet their favourite equine athletes, chat to the trainers and dedicated staff who look after them before enjoying an afternoon of activities on Middleham’s Low Moor.
The event is organised by Racing Welfare – the charity which provides a range of support services to people working in or retired from the racing industry, including help with accidents and injuries, mental health, money matters and even housing. It typically attracts up to 3,500 visitors year-on-year and raises vital funds for the charity, which all goes back into supporting the Middleham racing community which is such a big part of the local infrastructure.
Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming racing fans to this year’s ARC Middleham Open Day, a vital fundraising event in Racing Welfare’s calendar and a unique family day out. Not only do guests have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and see how these fabulous animals are looked after, there’s also a host of family entertainment throughout the afternoon, including the popular dog show and Retraining of Racehorses display.
“Proceeds from this event directly benefit racing’s people by funding our life-changing wellbeing support services. I hope everyone has an enjoyable day and extend thanks to the many people that continue to support this event year-on-year.”
The list of trainers confirmed to be opening so far is as follows:
- Ben Haslam
- Charlie Johnston
- Micky Hammond
- Neil Mechie
- Jedd O’Keeffe
- Danny Brooke
- Liam Bailey at Foulrice Park
- Karl Burke
- Ed Bethell
Yards will be opening from 9:30am-1pm with a host of activities to follow on Middleham’s Low Moor including the inter-yard team challenge and dog Show. Follow Racing Welfare on social media for regular updates.
Tickets are now available to purchase at the early bird rate of £10 for adults and £6.50 for concessions if purchased before 22nd February. As always, under 16s go free.
Book now at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk.
Nominations for the Epsom Owners’ and Trainers’ Awards confirmed
Epsom’s annual Owners’ and Trainers’ Awards celebrates the success of the local racing community, whilst raising also raising vital funds for Racing Welfare. This year’s event, which is sponsored by the ROA, takes place on Saturday 2nd December at Epsom Downs racecourse and will see people from across the racing community coming together to celebrate Epsom’s successes.
The nominees for this year’s awards are as follows:
Best Two-Year-Old – sponsored by ROA VAT
Tears Of A Clown (ex-Roger Ingram)
Mc Loven (Simon Dow)
Tangled Up In Blue (Adam West)
Best Three-Year-Old – sponsored by Shotter & Byers
Buy The Dip (Jim Boyle)
Rocking Ends (Brett Johnson)
Ectocross (Simon Dow)
Best Older Horse – sponsored by Moss Electrical
Concierge (Michael Attwater)
Bad Company (Jim Boyle)
Ray’s The One (Mark Pattinson)
Best Turf Horse – sponsored by J&J Franks
Marlay Park (Jim Boyle)
Live In The Dream (Adam West)
Ectocross (Simon Dow)
Best All-Weather Performer – sponsored by ARC All-Weather Championships
Recuerdame (Simon Dow)
Botas (Jim Boyle)
Dembe (Brett Johnson)
Most Improved Handicapper – sponsored by Rightsure
Western Stars (Jim Boyle)
Devizes (Pat Phelan)
Ectocross (Simon Dow)
Horse of the Year – sponsored by ROA
Ectocross (Simon Dow)
Live In The Dream (Adam West)
Bad Company (Jim Boyle)
The following awards will also be presented during the evening:
- The Stanley Wootton Award, recognising outstanding merit on behalf of Epsom as a racing and training centre – sponsored by Epsom Downs Racecourse
- The Sir David Prosser Award, for the Epsom trainer with the most winners in a calendar year – sponsored by Orbital Veterinary Services
- Special Recognition Award – sponsored by RaceTech
- Winningmost Horse – sponsored by The Fat Jockey Partnership
- Racing Welfare Dedication to Racing Award
Do not miss this glittering celebration! Book now:
Nominations announced for the Northern Racing Awards
Racing Welfare’s Northern Racing Awards is an annual celebration of racing successes in the region. This year’s event, which is generously supported by the ROA, takes place on Friday 1st December at Newcastle Racecourse and raises vital funds for Racing Welfare.
This year’s award categories and nominees are as follows:
Jump Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by Ray Green
Derek Fox (Corach Rambler, Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at Cheltenham (14th March 2023))
Brian Hughes (Riders On The Storm, Jewson St Helens Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) at Aintree (23rd October 2022))
Danny McMenamin (Flower of Scotland, 125 Years Of Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase at Kelso (4th December 2022))
Flat Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by The Good Racing Co.
Jason Hart (Highfield Princess, King George Qatar Stakes (Group 2) at Goodwood (4th August 2023))
Paul Mulrennan (Azure Blue, 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2) at York (17th May 2023))
Joe Fanning (Wootton’Sun, bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap at Haydock Park (8th July 2023))
Jump Ride of the Season (Conditional) – sponsored by John Wade Group
Dillan Hurst (Les’s Legacy, BetVictor Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle (Series Final) at Kelso (25th March 2023))
Joe Wiliamson (Lone Star, Racing TV Go North Lady Buttons Mares’ Hurdle Series Final (A Handicap Hurdle) at Musselburgh (24th March 2023))
Emma Smith-Chaston (Ballynagran, racingtv.com/freemonth Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase at Wetherby (26th January 2023))
Flat Ride of the Season (Apprentice) – sponsored by RaceTech
Sean Kirrane (Live In The Dream, Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) at York (25th August 2023))
Mark Winn (Aberama Gold, Sky Bet Dash Handicap at York (29th July 2023))
Jonny Peate (Harswell Duke, Pertemps Network Spring Mile Handicap at Doncaster (1st April 2023))
Point-to-Point Horse of the Year in the Northern Region – sponsored by Scottish Racing
Cullin Hills (Owner: Carol Milburn & Derryk Milburn / Trainer: William Milburn)
Matts Commission (Owner: Rita Williams / Trainer: Jack Teal)
Sine Nomine (Owner: Robin Tate / Trainer: Fiona Needham)
Special Achievement of the Season – National Hunt Owner – sponsored by North Sea Logistics
Jimmy Fyffe & Scott Townshend (Benson, bet365 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (4th March 2023))
Raymond Anderson Green (Flower of Scotland, 125 Years Of Bruce Farms Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase at Kelso (4th December 2023))
Ian and Ann Hamilton (Tommy’s Oscar, MND Association Race For Research Lightning Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) at Doncaster (28th January 2023))
Special Achievement of the Season – Flat Owner – sponsored by Newcastle Racecourse
Clipper Logistics (Fallen Angel, Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) at The Curragh (10th September 2023))
Hughes, Rawlings, O’Shaugnessy (Shaquille, Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (Group 1) at Newmarket (15th July 2023))
Future Champions Racing Regional (Regional, Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1) at Haydock Park (1st September 2023))
Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year – sponsored by Mills Racing
David & Yvonne Blunt (Poptronic, Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) at Ascot (21st October 2023))
John Fairley (Trainers House Enterprises Ltd) (Highfield Princess, Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (Gp1) at Longchamp (1st October 2023))
Brian Haggas (Hamish, John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3) at York (15th July 2023))
Best Training Performance of the Season – National Hunt – sponsored by Sedgefield Racecourse
Mark Walford (Into Overdrive, William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at Wetherby (26th December 2022))
Sandy Thomson (Benson, bet365 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (4th March 2023))
Stuart Coltherd (Cooper’s Cross, Sky Bet Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) at Doncaster (28th January 2023))
Best Training Performance of the Season – Flat – sponsored by Gain Equine Nutrition
Julie Camacho (Shaquille, Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (Group 1) at Newmarket (15th July 2023))
Karl Burke (Dramatised, Betfred Temple Stakes (Group 2) at Haydock Park (27th May 2023))
Ed Bethell ((Regional, Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes (Group 1) at Haydock Park (1st September 2023))
PLUS the overall Magic Moment of the Year (sponsored by the ROA) and the Racing Industry Recognition Award winners will be announced on the night.
Book your place now:
JOCKEYS IN THE RACE FOR DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE – BUT WHO WILL TAKE THEM ON?
An all-star team of jockeys are among the latest to sign up for The Great Racing Welfare Boat Race, due to take place on 6th September at Windsor Racecourse – but who will be brave enough to take them on?
The competitive crew consists of a selection of former and current jockeys, including current leader of the Jump Jockey’s Championship Sean Bowen, alongside James Bowen, Christian Williams, Jamie Moore, Josh Moore, William Kennedy, Tom Scudamore, Tom O’Brien, Sam Thomas, Sam Twiston-Davies, Harry Skelton, Bridget Skelton, Connor Brace, Jack Tudor and team captain Rhys Flint.
Harry Skelton is keen on the team’s chances. He said: “I’m looking forward to it – Rhys has put together a strong team so we’re going there to win! I’ve not done anything like this before but I previously did the cycle challenge for Racing Welfare, I think it’s really important to support these racing charities where we can.”
Teams from within the racing industry are invited to sign up for the challenge before 23rdAugust to take part in this exhilarating dragon boat race down a stretch of the River Thames, from a pontoon based near to the racecourse. Each team will consist of 11 people including one drummer with the option of additional crew to swap in, and will compete in a minimum of two races, with the fastest going through to the semis and a final.
The Great Racing Welfare Boat Race promises to be a fun, competitive afternoon on the water, complete with a live DJ and after-party for all participants during the evening. There is also a prize for the best turned out with fancy dress strongly encouraged!
Support for the event, which is raising crucial funds for organisers Racing Welfare, has already come from all across the industry, with entries representing The Jockey Club, ARC, Worcester Racecourse, Ben Pauling, Dan Skelton, Fergal O’Brien, Anthony Honeyball, Tweenhills, Newsells Park Stud and Total Performance Data.
Limited places are still available. Entries cost £500 per team, with a fundraising target of £500 and all funds will help the charity to provide vital support for people working in or retired from the racing industry.
Interested parties can find out more and sign up at https://bit.ly/3qBf4un or by contacting Clare Kingston on ckingston@racingwelfare.co.uk / 07891 186494.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR FIVE STABLE STAFF RACES DURING RACING STAFF WEEK
Racing Staff Week – the industry’s annual celebration of people who work in British horseracing – returns in 2023 (24th June – 1st July) with a brand-new format which includes FIVE races for stable staff throughout the course of the week. Applications are now being invited to secure places before the closing date of 7th May.
Organised by Racing Welfare and sponsored by Betfair, Racing Staff Week brings the racing industry and its followers together to celebrate racing staff, and showcase their passion, skills and dedication, across the breadth of the industry, without which, the sport would not be possible.
Responding to the huge popularity and demand for Racing Staff Week charity races, this year Racing Welfare has increased the number of stable staff races from two to five, with one taking place in each of our regions as follows:
- 24.06.23 – Ayr racecourse – 6f
- 26.06.23 – Chepstow racecourse – 1m2f (APPLICATIONS CLOSED)
- 27.06.23 – Newbury racecourse – 1m (APPLICATIONS CLOSED)
- 29.06.23 – Newcastle racecourse – 1m
- 20.06.23 – Nottingham racecourse – 6f
We still have places available for the Ayr, Newcastle and Nottingham races with applications gaining a place on a first come first serve basis.
If you would like to enter a race or nominate a rider, please go to https://www.racingstaffweek.com/stable-staff-races/ and complete the application form and return it before Thursday 18th May to Jess Leighton JLeighton@racingwelfare.co.uk
Aintree lunch raises in excess of £63,000 for racing’s people
Nearly 450 supporters joined Racing Welfare at Aintree for their annual lunch on the opening day of the Randox Grand National festival.
The lunch, supported for the first time this year by the ROA, brought together supporters from across the racing industry to celebrate the charity’s work and to raise vital funds to support people working in the horseracing industry. The event was expertly compered by Gary Capewell, who spoke to Racing Welfare beneficiary, Hannah Benson, about the help she’d received after falling from a horse at work. She told the room: “Racing is extremely lucky to have Racing Welfare, it’s huge what the charity does.”
The event raised over £63,000 for Racing Welfare, with the live auction contributing more than £10,000 of that total. Top lots included bespoke colours from the BHA, an original artwork painted by Birdie during the event and a behind the scenes experience with ITV Racing.
Racing Welfare’s chief executive, Dawn Goodfellow, said: “Thank you to everyone that made the Aintree lunch such a success – it was wonderful to see so many people joining us from different corners of our industry. The funds raised are going to help us continue to provide our life-changing services to people like Hannah – we are really grateful to her for joining us at the event and sharing her story. Thanks also to the Jockey Club North West team and Jockey Club Catering for providing such a fantastic facility, and to everyone that donated in support of our auction and other fundraising activity on the day.”