Racing Welfare selected as QIPCO British Champions Day official charity for a second year
The stars of flat racing will align this Saturday 20th October, gracing Ascot’s hallowed turf for this year’s renewal of QIPCO British Champions Day. Racing Welfare is delighted to have been nominated as official charity for a second time, an association which goes a long way in helping to raising funds to support racing’s workforce. Furthermore, we have been very fortunate to work with Great British Racing, the team behind QIPCO British Champions Day, in the lead up to the event to produce some very special features that will be on show around Ascot on the day, shining a light on the importance of the team behind every champion racehorse.
Racing Welfare will be joined on the day by another of our corporate partners, Tuffa Boots, who will be running a raffle for all Pony Club members visiting their stand to win a fantastic hamper of equestrian kit. The team from Racing Welfare will be hosting a vintage seaside attraction in the form of the ‘Roll the Ball Horseracing Derby’, which is sure to provide entertainment and competition for all.
The charity’s wonderfully talented Ambassador Darren Bird – aka Birdie – will also be with us again this year, creating a cartoon exhibit in the centre of the Ascot grandstand throughout the afternoon. The finished artworks will be then auctioned in aid of Racing Welfare during and after the event. The auction can be accessed online at www.jumblebee.co.uk/BCDAuction18
Racing Welfare is the only charity that supports the entire workforce behind British horseracing, from the stable and stud staff, to those who work on racecourses and training grounds around the country. Professional advice, practical help and emotional support is offered to those taking their first steps into the industry, remaining in place beyond a person’s working life into retirement. In 2017, more than 2,200 people received support from Racing Welfare, a number which is on course to increase again this year. The charity has 144 units of accommodation which are rented, at affordable rates, to young people entering the industry and to staff who have retired after dedicating their career to horseracing.
Racing Welfare staff and volunteers will be on course throughout the day, including a bucket collection after racing, so please come and say hello.