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: Fundraising
BRIGHTON RACECOURSE HEAD GROUNDSMAN TO TACKLE 200 MILE RUN IN MEMORY OF FORMER COLLEAGUE
From 13th-17th December, Brighton Racecourse’s Head Groundsman is set to tackle a gruelling 200 mile trail run in memory his former work colleague Doug Sommerfield. Richard Langley is taking on the Centurion Running Winter Downs 200, which will see him completing a giant loop around the south of England, including the North Downs Way, Vanguard Way, South Downs Way, Wayfarers Walk and St Swithuns Way.
Richard explains how it came about: “In February 2016 my good friend and work colleague, Doug Sommerfield passed away.
“Following his retirement, struggling with loneliness and health issues, and just four months into what should have been a happy retirement, Doug took his own life.
“This had a major impact on my mental health, with so many questions; had I done enough? Had I missed the signs? However, the main recurring question was could I have prevented this? Had I known back then that charities like Racing Welfare were about to offer Doug support things may have turned out differently. I can’t change it now but if I can do my bit to support the charity you never know – it might save someone else’s life.”
Richard has found comfort in throwing himself into running, taking on increasingly extreme challenges – but this 200-mile trail run will be by far his toughest yet. When hearing of Richard’s latest adventure, a colleague suggested he do it in support of Racing Welfare – a cause close to his heart.
He said: “Obviously doing the job that I do I have quite a few friends working in the industry and so I thought I could bring it all together to make something quite big and help to raise money and awareness.
”I don’t know what emotions I’m going to be facing to get through it. I’ll be over the moon if I complete it knowing that I’ve pushed myself and the memory of Doug will be with me all the way going round.”
Racing Welfare has a designated programme of events for retired staff, including regular coffee mornings, racecourse outings and day trips. They are intended to help reduce isolation and loneliness amongst this community, helping them to stay connected to the industry, maintain friendships and forge new ones. Anyone interested in finding out more or signing up can call our support line on 0800 6300 443.
To support Richard in his ultra challenge in memory of Doug, you can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/richard-langley-1690913588121
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.”
More than £27,000 raised at ARC Middleham Open Day
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.”
Henrietta Knight Racing Club raises £2,100 for Racing Welfare
On Sunday 18th December, members of the Henrietta Knight Racing Club presented Racing Welfare with a cheque for £2,100.
The funds were raised by the club, an official charity partner, through several initiatives that have taken place over the course of the year, including the donation of a £575 share in racehorse Diamond Egg.
Racing Manager Shaun Christie accompanied members on a visit to see Diamond Egg at the yard of trainer Chris Gordon. He said: “We are so pleased to be donating over £2,000 to our official charity partner, Racing Welfare, today. I and all the members of the Henrietta Knight Racing Club recognise the importance of the charity’s work in supporting those who look after horses like ‘The Egg’. We look forward to continuing our charity partnership into 2023.”
Racing Welfare Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow, said: “Thank you to all the members of the Henrietta Knight Racing Club for their generous donation. Donations such as this help fund our vital support services for racing’s people, services which are never more needed as we continue to face particularly tough times. I’d like to wish all members good luck with Diamond Egg for his upcoming hurdles campaign.”
Diamond Egg, a rising five-year-old gelding, was hand-picked by the Club’s patron, Henrietta Knight. He’s already notched up one win in a National Hunt Flat Race and looks set to give club members plenty of fun on the racecourse throughout the upcoming season as he turns his attention to hurdling.
ROA partnership yields more than £23,000 in 2022
Nine months after announcing a formalised partnership with Racing Welfare, the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and its members have contributed £23,125 in vital funds to the industry’s people welfare charity.
Across the course of the year, the partnership has seen ROA sponsor both the Epsom Owners’ and Trainers’ and Northern Racing Awards, donate auction prizes, support Racing Welfare’s events at Woburn and Doncaster – as well as holding a fundraiser at the ROA Horseracing Awards in London. In recognition of this growing partnership, Racing Welfare’s uniforms now incorporate the ROA logo.
Racing Welfare Chief Executive, Dawn Goodfellow said: “Our relationship with the ROA has gone from strength to strength during 2022. It was a very positive step for that relationship to be formalised earlier this year, and we are ever grateful for the support that the organisation and its members have extended to us. Their collaboration on profile-raising events and activities has undoubtedly enabled us to reach and ultimately help more people working in our sport.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the ROA into 2023, which looks to be an exciting albeit challenging year for Racing Welfare.”
ROA’s Chief Executive, Charlie Liverton said: “The ROA’s partnership symbolises the relationship that owners have not just with their horse, but as importantly, with those that look after, educate and prime their horses for the racecourse. The importance of racing staff is recognised by all of us at the ROA and by working closely with Racing Welfare we have been able to ensure that critical support and training is delivered across the UK, day in, day out. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Racing Welfare into 2023 and beyond.”
The ROA’s partnership with Racing Welfare continues into 2023 with the organisation supporting the Racing Welfare Aintree Lunch on Thursday 13th April. Find out more here: https://racingwelfare.co.uk/events-archive/racing-welfare-aintree-lunch-supported-by-the-roa/
Magic moments celebrated in the North as Highfield Princess crowned the success story of the year
On Friday 25th November the who’s who of northern racing came together to celebrate a stellar year of sporting achievements at the ROA Northern Racing Awards. The black-tie event, hosted by Racing Welfare at Newcastle racecourse, celebrated racing successes across the region with Highfield Princess winning the Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year award for owner/breeder John Fairley, reaffirming her position as this year’s jewel in Northern racing’s crown.
Magic moments
The popular event saw two ROA-sponsored Magic Moment awards being presented on the night; the first going to training duo Charlie and Mark Johnston in recognition of their achieving 5,000 lifetime winners; and the second award going to jockey Brian Hughes for regaining the NH jockeys’ championship in 2021/22. Hughes’ title win in 2019/20 signified the first for a northern-based jockey since Jonjo O’Neill was crowned champion for the 1979/80 season.
Notable winners
Other notable winners on the night included trainer Ann Hamilton, who scooped Best Training Performance of the Season for her win with Tommy’s Oscar in the Grade 2 The New One Unibet Hurdle in January. Michael Dods picked up the equivalent award on the Flat for his victory with Commanche Falls in the Coral Stewards’ Cup in July.
Point-to-point success was also celebrated with recognition for Sine Nomine who finished third in Cheltenham’s NAF Intermediate Point-to-Point Hunters’ Chase in April this year after a prolific 21/22 point-to-point season that saw her win four races. Catterick Bridge’s general manager, Fiona Needham, trains the six-year-old mare for her father Robin Tate and both were there to pick up the award on the night.
Funds raised for charity
In addition to the celebrations, the night was underpinned by fundraising activity for Racing Welfare, the charity that supports all racing’s people. Proceeds from ticket sales and the charity auction will all go to the charity to enable them to support those working in the industry.
Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare said: “Thank you to everyone who attended the ROA Northern Racing Awards, and a huge thanks to all our individual sponsors and the ROA for their generous headline sponsorship of the event.
“It is such a pleasure to host events like this, which are so important in bringing together racing’s communities, recognising the fruits of everybody’s labours throughout the year and celebrating success with our peers. Congratulations to all the award winners.”
Full list of awards and winners at the ROA Northern Racing Awards 2022:
Magic Moment – sponsored by ROA: Charlie and Mark Johnston (5,000 lifetime winners);
Brian Hughes (regaining the 2021/22 NH Jockeys’ Championship)
Jump Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by Ray Green: Ryan Mania, Midnight Shadow (Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) at Cheltenham)
Flat Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by RaceTech: PJ McDonald, Pyledriver (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (Group 1), Ascot)
Jump Ride of the Season (Conditional and Amateur) – sponsored by John Wade Group: Charlotte Jones, Native Fighter (Burlington Handicap Hurdle, Cartmel)
Flat Ride of the Season (Apprentice and Amateur)- sponsored by Gold and Green Crowd: Becky Smith, Miss Mulligan (Coral ‘Get Closer to the Action’ Ladies Derby Handicap, Epsom)
Best Training Performance of the Season – National Hunt Trainer – sponsored by Sedgefield Racecourse: Ann Hamilton, Tommy’s Oscar (The New One Unibet Hurdle (Grade 2), Haydock Park)
Best Training Performance of the Season – Flat Trainer – sponsored by Gain Equine Nutrition: Michael Dods, Commanche Falls (Coral Stewards’ Cup, Goodwood)
Special Achievement of the Season – National Hunt Owner – sponsored by North Sea Logistics: Geoff and Elspeth Adam, Aye Wright (Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed), Newcastle)
Special Achievement of the Season – Flat Owner – sponsored by Newcastle Racecourse: The Horse Watchers (Chris Dixon), Raasel (Betfred Nifty Fifty Achilles Stakes (Listed), Haydock Park; Coral Charge (Group 3), Sandown Park)
Point-to-Point Horse of the Year – sponsored by Scottish Racing: Sine Nomine (owned by Robin Tate, trained by Fiona Needham)
Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year – sponsored by the National Stud: John Fairley (Trainers House Enterprises Ltd), Highfield Princess (Arc Prix Maurice de Gheest (Group 1), Deauville; Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1), York; Al Basti Equine Dubai Flying Five Stakes (Group 1), The Curragh)
London Marathon 2022: Another tick off Brian’s bucket list
This Sunday nine runners will pull on their Racing Welfare vests and trainers and line up in the TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for racing’s human welfare charity. Reaching the finish line at the end of the gruelling 26 miles will signal another tick off the bucket list for Racing Welfare’s Regional Welfare Manager Brian Watson.
Brian said: “I’ve always wanted to take part in a marathon and it’s been on my bucket list of things to do before I’m 40 for a while now. I’ve only got a couple of years left to tick off the final items on my list so, as I am relatively fit this year, I thought I’d give it a crack!”
Brian has been in the racing industry for most of his working life, and on Racing Welfare’s front line for six years. He now manages the charity’s welfare teams across the South and West.
Brian reflects on why running the marathon for Racing Welfare is so important to him: “Not only do I get to see the front-line impact that we have, and how we make a massive difference to people’s lives, but Racing Welfare also supported me when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18.
“I was working in Scotland at that early stage in my career, away from home and new to racing. Raye Wilkinson [awarded an MBE for services to the horseracing community in 2019] was the Welfare Officer in Middleham at that time and upon hearing the news he travelled up to visit me. He supported me with advice and guidance throughout that period. It was comforting to know someone was there to support me when I was ill. Since then I always wanted to do something for Racing Welfare, and fortunately in the years since I’ve managed to work for the charity and continue the good work that Raye did all those years ago.”
Runners have been following a meticulous training plan for several months in preparation for the mammoth task ahead. There’s been no let up for Brian as he trains alongside his demanding full-time role for the charity.
He says: “I’ve been training five days a week since April this year, only missing the odd day here and there. It’s been difficult trying to juggle a full-time job, a social life and fitting in training. You can’t just squeeze in a half hour run; it commands long periods of training – a good two to three hours at a time. 17.5 miles is the furthest distance I’ve run, so hopefully that sets me up for a good crack at it this weekend!
“I’ve enjoyed the build-up, and I’m ready to go for it – I’ve got a nice new kit, some fancy New Balance trainers and my second skin socks which are very comfortable! I’ve had some amazing support from friends, family and the local racing community. I realise it is a really tough time to be asking people to donate, so every penny is just so appreciated.”
Brian lines up for the TCS London Marathon this Sunday 2 October alongside eight other competitors all raising money for Racing Welfare.
To support Brian or any of the Racing Welfare runners visit https://racingwelfare.co.uk/challenges-archive/londonmarathon2022/racingwelfare.co.uk.
24hr Cycling Challenge Raises More Than £100k For Racing Welfare
From 12 noon on 16th July – 12 noon on 17th July, some 81 cyclists took on a gruelling 24hr challenge in a bid to raise vital funds for racing’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare. Split into 20 teams, the cyclists took it in turns to ride 30km loops from Cheltenham racecourse, with at least two riding from each team at any one time.
The total amount raised by the event is set to top £100,000 for Racing Welfare, with the cyclists’ fundraised income further boosted by the generosity of key event sponsors Unibet, Racehorse Lotto, The Jockey Club and Tattersalls. Well beyond the £60,000 target, that figure will have a huge impact, and could cover the cost of employing a welfare team in one of the charity’s four regions for a whole year, providing direct on-the-ground support to racing’s people.
Alice Campbell rode as part of Team Racing Welfare, having had first-hand experience of their support. She said:
Be part of The Clocktower Cup at Doncaster and sponsor a race
Be part of The Clocktower Cup at Doncaster and sponsor a race on Friday 1st July. The Clocktower Cup provides the opportunity for 12 stable staff to compete at Doncaster, a once in a lifetime opportunity for many, all whilst raising funds for Racing Welfare.
This year sees the sixth running of Racing Staff Week. Once again, the week will bring the racing industry and its followers together to showcase the passion, skill and dedication of all the staff, across the breadth of the industry, whose hard work makes our great sport possible. This year’s Racing Staff Week will recognise the contribution of the industry’s entire workforce, from stud and stable staff to breeders, racecourse staff and administrators and everything in between.
The feature of Racing Staff Week has always been the Clock Tower Cup Race day at the fantastic setting of Doncaster Racecourse. We are delighted to be able to offer a select few sponsors the chance to become part of the day through race sponsorship on what is a much anticipated date in Racing Welfare’s calendar. Racing Staff Week will be promoted to stakeholders and employees right across the industry with online and in person events and activities which all help to increase the focus on Doncaster on the final day of Racing Staff Week – the eyes of the industry are turned towards Doncaster as stable staff have the opportunity to take part in the Clock Tower Cup as part of the main card on the day and you have a chance to be part of it.
Bidding closes on Thursday 16th June.
