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Category: Events

More than £27,000 raised at ARC Middleham Open Day

Posted on by Comms Spare

More than 3,200 people headed out into the sunshine on Good Friday to explore Middleham’s historic racing yards.

The ARC Middleham Open Day saw six trainers open their yards to the crowds during the morning, with guests then enjoying activities such as a Retraining of Racehorses display and the Aiskew Equine & Pet Supplies Dog Show on the Low Moor during the afternoon. The highly competitive inter-yard challenge also proved a highlight during the afternoon, with staff from Jedd O’Keeffe’s stable being crowned overall champions after three fiercely contested heats including a relay, bale push and tug of war.

One visitor commented on social media: “A brilliant day out, and the great weather helped. Well organised and good to see the fabulous stables and the horses, of course. My little puppy also won the Waggiest Tail first prize in the dog show!”

This year’s event raised over £27,000 for Racing Welfare, funds that will go towards providing vital support for people working in and retired from the horseracing industry.

Racing Welfare’s Head of Fundraising, Ryan Judson, said: “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Middleham Open Day. Thank you to all the trainers and racing staff that supported the event this year, without them the open day simply would not happen. Thanks also to our event management team, our volunteers, Arena Racing Company for their headline sponsorship and all the other sponsors, supporters and local businesses that contributed to such a brilliant day.

“The funds raised by this event will help our charity support the dedicated workforce that keep our sport functioning on a day-to-day basis.”

IT’S A SHOWDOWN! RACING STARS TO BOX FOR CHARITY AT NEWMARKET’S ROWLEY MILE

Posted on by Imogen Lawrence

This summer, celebrities from across the world of horseracing will headline an exclusive open-air charity boxing event, organised by the sport’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare. Boxers already signed up include TV presenter and model Rosie Tapner, ITV Racing’s Oli Bell, National Hunt trainer Warren Greatrex, and former champion conditional jockey Rhys Flint.

 The Great Racing Welfare Showdown will take place during the evening of Saturday 17th June in the parade ring at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse. The competition will see 22 fairly-matched participants box three x two-minute bouts on the night, with a mix of celebrity and racing staff bouts taking place in front of a glittering black tie crowd seated ringside in the parade ring.

Anyone working in the racing or breeding industry keen to take up the unique opportunity to box at the event is encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible. Those signing up will be required to undertake a life-changing eight-week training programme, managed by Derby-based Ultra White-Collar Boxing.

TV presenter Rosie Tapner jumped at the chance to sign up for the event, saying: “I’ve seen first-hand the work that Racing Welfare does, last year I took part in the Racing Welfare 24hr cycle and so I’m thrilled this year to be taking part in the Great Racing Welfare Showdown.

“I’ve done some boxing in the past for fitness and so to get the chance to go into the ring and box is something I’m really excited (and nervous) about. I know I will love all the training leading up to the event too. Bring it on!”

Central to the development of the idea for this event is Racing Welfare’s chief operating officer Gemma Waterhouse, who said: “The Great Racing Welfare Showdown promises to be such a super, fun, competitive fundraising event for our wonderful charity.

“We are always so grateful to the industry for its support with our fundraising events and, as such, we try to put on something year-on-year that appeals not only to the competitive nature of our sporting audience, but that also provides a great opportunity to come together as a community to raise money for Racing Welfare.

“Without the industry’s support we’d really struggle to fund many of our vital services, so there is a very serious side to why we put so much time and resource into organising large scale events like this. We really hope racing’s people will get behind this event, whether that be signing up to take part, sponsoring our fighters or buying a ticket.”

Anyone interested in signing up to box in the Great Racing Welfare Showdown must register before 14th April here: https://ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/racing-welfare-sign-up/

All tickets options (including VIP ringside tables and standing tickets) are available to purchase via the Racing Welfare website here: https://racingwelfare.co.uk/events-archive/the-great-racing-welfare-showdown/

TICKETS ON SALE FOR ARC MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY

Posted on by Imogen Lawrence

Clear your diary this Good Friday and join Racing Welfare at the ARC Middleham Open Day! Tickets are now on sale for the popular family-friendly fundraising event, which takes place on Friday 7 April.

The Arena Racing Company sponsored day, a staple event in the northern racing calendar, attracted more than 3,500 eager racing fans last year. This year looks set to be just as popular, with local trainers including Karl Burke, Charlie Johnston and James Horton committed to opening their doors to the public. Visitors will enjoy behind-the-scenes access to some of North Yorkshire’s most distinguished racing yards throughout the morning, plus a host of fun activities throughout the afternoon on Middleham’s Low Moor.

Importantly, the event will raise vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare, who provide a wide range of advice and support services for people working in or retired from racing, without whom our sport would not be possible.

In 2022, Racing Welfare supported 226 individuals in the Middleham area and 575 individuals throughout the North. The charity provided a total of 3,037 instances of support across the region over the course of the year.

Racing Welfare’s chief executive, Dawn Goodfellow said: “The ARC Middleham Open Day is one of our flagship fundraising events of the year. It’s a day that sees our charity and the people we support engage with the wider public on a large scale, and it is always a date in the diary that many of us at Racing Welfare look forward to.

“The public’s support has never been more needed, as demand for Racing Welfare’s services continues to grow year-on-year. Without our fundraising events we simply wouldn’t be able to continue to offer our services to racing’s people on the scale that we do now. I hope to welcome lots of new and returning visitors to Middleham this Easter weekend.”

Sam Cone is Head of Communications and Public Affairs for long-standing event sponsor ARC. Sam said: “At ARC we recognise the importance of Racing Welfare’s services to those working in the horseracing and breeding industry, and our ongoing sponsorship of the Middleham Open Day reflects this. The event is an important date in the calendar and an excellent opportunity for racing fans to gain an insight into what goes on day-to-day at the region’s racing stables. We hope that anyone local with an interest in racing supports the event and wish all visitors and participants an enjoyable day.”

The list of trainers confirmed to be opening so far is as follows:

  • Charlie Johnston
  • Foulrice Park Racing
  • James Horton
  • Jedd O’Keeffe
  • Karl Burke
  • Micky Hammond
  • Neil Mechie

Yards will be opening from 9:30am-1pm (Karl Burke opening from 10am), with a host of activities to follow on Middleham’s Low Moor including the inter-yard team challenge and the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies 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 28th February. Under 16s go free.

Book now at  www.middlehamopenday.co.uk.

Racing staff boxers take to the ring at York

Posted on by Imogen Lawrence

Racing’s community came together at York racecourse on Saturday 5th November to cheer on 18 of their friends and colleagues in this year’s William Hill Racing Staff Boxing Night, in aid of Racing Welfare.

After taking part in a life-changing 8-week training programme, managed by Derby-based Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB), the participants were fairly matched up to take on their rival for three two-minute bouts on the night. Everyone that took part in the challenge currently works in the horseracing industry.

The evening was heralded a great success, attracting 370 guests and raising more than £10,500 for Racing Welfare. Funds were raised through ticket sales, a raffle and punch bag competition on the night and from the boxers own fundraising.

Jockey Cam Hardie, winner of the last bout of the evening, said: “It was a privilege to represent the jockeys in the William Hill UWCB event, such a worthwhile cause and delighted to have raised so much money for Racing Welfare.  It was the icing on the cake to win but you can’t train hard enough for it.”

CROWDS INVITED TO GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT EPSOM’S HISTORIC RACING CENTRE

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The local racing community in Epsom are gearing up to welcome hundreds of attendees to the annual Epsom Open day on Sunday 11th September as part of National Racehorse Week – a celebration of the racehorse and a chance to see first-hand the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR POPULAR OPEN DAYS AT MALTON AND EPSOM

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Popular open day events at Malton and Epsom are set to return on Sunday 11th September. The events, organised by racing’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare, kick-start National Racehorse Week which aims to celebrate both the racehorse and the staff responsible for the high levels of care they receive daily.

Racehorse trainers will open their doors to the public, giving unrivalled behind-the-scenes access to some of the most prominent and historic racing yards in the UK. Visitors to both the North Yorkshire training centre and the home of the Epsom Derby will be able to meet a wealth of equine stars, as well as chat to the trainers and stable staff who provide their day-to-day care.

At the ARC Malton Open Day, yards will open during the morning followed by activities at Highfield Gallops during the afternoon. Whilst visiting the open yards during the morning, guests will have the opportunity to see this year’s Royal Ascot winning horses Perfect Power and The Ridler at Richard Fahey’s Musley Bank stable. The afternoon’s packed schedule will see events for all the family, including the popular Linton Pet Shop dog show, as well as a Retraining of Racehorses show.

The Epsom Open Day, taking place on the same day, welcomes visitors to visit the famous Epsom Downs for a morning of behind-the-scenes access at the home of the Derby. The day begins with a gallops and starting stalls demonstration, after which guests will be invited to visit the open yards throughout the morning. Activities for all the family will be available at the yards, including a fun ‘Racing Trail’ for the younger ones, plus demonstrations showing how to groom and tack up the horse, load and unload onto a horsebox and a farrier display.

Both events will be raising vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare, who have a strong local presence in and around both Malton and Epsom. The charity provides a wide range of advice and support services for people working in or retired from racing, and organises a range of events, trips and activities in the local communities.

Tickets are available for both events, priced at £12.50 for the ARC Malton Open Day and £10.00 for the Epsom Open Day. As always, under 16s are welcome to attend for free. Go to  www.maltonopenday.co.uk  or www.epsomopenday.co.uk to book now.

Bedmax support Newmarket Heath Ride for third year

Posted on by Chloe Martin

Racing Welfare is now accepting entries for the 2022 Bedmax Newmarket Heath Ride. The popular event takes place on Sunday 4 September and is sponsored for a third consecutive year by Bedmax, producers of shavings purpose made for horses, who have continued their commitment to racing in Newmarket and beyond.

The Bedmax Newmarket Heath Ride offers horse riders a unique opportunity to ride across world-famous turf – taking in the sights across the training grounds, whilst also raising money to support racing’s workforce. Thanks are extended to The National Stud and Jockey Club Estates for their support and kind permission.

Not only have Bedmax committed to headline sponsorship of this enjoyable event for a third year, the company’s support of Racing Welfare’s fundraising events also extends to Malton Open Day, held the following Sunday 11 September. Visitors to the North Yorkshire open stables event will be seated around the main arena on donated bales of Bedmax shavings.

Bedmax Managing Director, Tim Smalley, said: “Everyone who works with racehorses has a deep commitment to their welfare. We share the same commitment, so it’s a great pleasure to support these events and contribute something to the welfare of the people who care for these wonderful horses in Britain’s unique world class racing centres.”

Bedmax shavings are designed to combat the major equine health and wellbeing issues associated with stabled horses and, for horses to perform at the top of their game, the stable environment is of utmost importance. As well as being triple-dust-extracted and naturally antibacterial, Bedmax was also the first equine bedding company to be awarded BETA NOPS accreditation earlier this year which ensures that all products across their range are free of any naturally occurring prohibited substances.

Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare Chief Executive, said: “We are so delighted to be partnering with Bedmax to deliver the Newmarket Heath Ride for a third year. Their support of Racing Welfare and the racing community is gratefully received. The Newmarket Heath Ride provides an amazing opportunity for riders to experience the thrill of riding on Newmarket’s hallowed training grounds, for which we extend huge thanks to the National Stud and Jockey Club Estates.”

To find out more about the Bedmax Newmarket Heath Ride click here.

Book tickets for the Malton Open Day here.

Find out more about Bedmax at www.bedmaxshavings.com.

Bumper crowds flock to North Yorkshire for the return of ARC Middleham Open Day

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Bumper crowds flocked to North Yorkshire on Good Friday as ARC Middleham Open Day returned, with 12 local racehorse trainers opening up their doors to the public.

Having been absent from the calendar since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a clear appetite to get back to in-person visits with more than 3,500 people in attendance.

Visitors to Middleham enjoyed watching horses swimming at Mark Johnston’s Kingsley House yard and were able to visit Ann Duffield’s yard to see horses working on the water treadmill. Activities on the Low Moor in the afternoon included an RoR parade and the ever-competitive inter-yard activities which saw a team from Mark Johnston’s take the spoils.

SBK Golf Day set to raise vital funds for Racing Welfare

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Racing Welfare is set to hold a star-studded Charity Golf Day on Thursday 21 April 2022 on the Marquess Course at Woburn Golf Club, by kind invitation of His Grace, the Duke of Bedford.

The prestigious SBK sponsored day has followed suit from last year’s renewal in being a sell-out, with 28 teams taking part in the four-ball event. Teams are offered the opportunity to play with a celebrity teammate and enjoy a stunning day, all while raising vital funds for Racing Welfare to support people working in or retired from the racing industry.

Sky Sports Racing will once again be a media partner covering the event, which boasts a wealth of sporting stars including 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Oli Bell, Richard Levi, Dan Skelton, Owais Shah and John Francome.

The event has been organised in conjunction with Johnno Spence Communications and attracted support from SBK, the sportsbook app created by Smarkets, who are the headline sponsor of the day.

In addition to the overall prizes for teams and individuals, a generous prize fund of £50,000 is up for grabs for a hole in one thanks to sponsorship from Windsor Clive.

Racing personalities out in force for Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge at Cheltenham Racecourse

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The racing industry is set to come together at Cheltenham racecourse once more – this time with an epic 24hr team cycling challenge, raising vital funds for the charity which supports racing’s people.

The Great Racing Welfare Cycle will start at 12 noon on 16th July, and complete at noon on 17th July. This challenge is based on a team of four people, with two out on the route cycling while two rest at the ‘Riders’ Camp’ at the racecourse.

The ride starts with a lap of the famous parade ring at Cheltenham, before heading out into the Cotswold Hills for an undulating, challenging 30km loop which includes climbing the imposing Cleeve Hill, with breath-taking views across Gloucestershire. On completion, a BBQ will be held to celebrate the incredible achievement of all of those who have taken part, along with their friends and family who cheered them home.

The challenge is open to all, and a whole host of racing staff and personalities have already confirmed their involvement, including champion jockey Oisin Murphy teaming up with presenter Matt Chapman.