NEWMARKET TRAINER GETTING IN THE SADDLE FOR RACING WELFARE
A Newmarket trainer will be getting on his bike next week (20.7.24) to raise awareness and funds for the racing industry’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare.
Kevin Philippart De Foy, 32, of KPF Racing based at Induna Stables, Fordham Road, Newmarket, will be participating in The Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge, which takes place in the town on Saturday 20th July, with a team of staff members too.
Kevin said: “As a young trainer, I want to inspire others and I encouraged my staff to get involved because if I’m not motivated then nobody will be. I thought, if I take part then they will follow me, and I want to set a good example. It wasn’t difficult to get a team together though because of the help we’ve had from Racing Welfare – they wanted to do it. I will do a bit of cycling training, but the team are fit and should do well as they’re in the gym every day and riding.
“Racing Welfare supports horseracing staff on a daily basis, so that’s the motivation to raise funds so they can keep helping people when they need it. Racing Welfare does a great deal for racing as many other industries don’t have independent charities where people can go for help.
“I took part in the Racing Welfare 24 hour cycle event in Cheltenham two years ago and I’m hoping this event in Newmarket will be flatter!”
Kevin Philippart De Foy, a Belgian native, moved to Induna Stables in January this year, having previously trained at Machell Place Stables in Old Station Road and worked as Assistant Trainer to James Fanshawe prior to that. Despite only being 33, he has a wealth of experience, having also worked with renowned trainers John Oxx in Ireland, Criquette Head in France and Christophe Clement in America.
As well as getting in the saddle himself, Kevin will also be joined by seven members of staff for the event: Danielle Steed, Claudia Metaireau, Phoebe Edwards, Daisy Vaughan Jones, Emily Sealey, Aurelien Voileau and Katy Groome.
The thrilling Great Racing Welfare Cycle 24-hour challenge will start at 12pm on Saturday 20th July at Rowley Mile Racecourse, which will be the cyclists’ base throughout the event, and will finish at 12pm on Sunday 21st July followed by a BBQ and celebration for all participants and their families. The planned route of 32km will take in numerous historic and unforgettable landmarks around the town and surrounding areas.
Racing Welfare’s Chief Operating Officer Gemma Waterhouse said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Kevin and his staff members have signed-up to take part in The Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge.
“We’re excited to be hosting this year’s event in Newmarket, the home of horseracing, and having a local trainer and staff members taking part alongside representatives from many other local businesses is really what it’s all about – our community coming together to support a local charity. I hope that people in the town will get behind all of our cyclists and give them a big cheer if they see them out on the route to help keep those legs pedalling when the going gets tough!
“A huge thanks to our headline sponsor S W Turner Process & Mechanical Pipework Installation Specialists Ltd and to event sponsors: Sharp Nutrition, YuTree, Bedford Lodge Hotel, Chestnut Group, Phoenix Cycle Works, Newmarket Equine Hospital, BBA Shipping, Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons and Thoroughbred Daily News for their support.”
The event first took place in its current 24hr format in 2022 at Cheltenham racecourse, raising more than £125,000 in vital funds for the charity.
The Great Racing Welfare Cycle Challenge is without doubt the charity’s biggest and most important fundraiser of 2024 and helps to fund Racing Welfare’s vital work in supporting Newmarket’s racing community. That includes a dedicated team of local welfare officers, housing, community events and a 24/7 support line providing round-the-clock, in the moment assistance.
To support the cyclists in their epic challenge, text 2024CYCLE to 70470 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.