RACING RALLIES FOR RACING WELFARE AS BRECON BEACONS CHALLENGE RAISES MORE THAN £42,000
Almost 100 people from across British racing came together in Wales on Sunday 5 July to take on Racing Welfare’s Brecon Beacons 10 Peak Challenge, raising more than £42,000 so far for the industry’s charity.
The challenge event saw participants tackle a demanding 22-mile route through the Brecon Beacons, summiting 10 peaks including Pen Y Fan and Corn Du – some of the highest mountains in southern Britain. Representatives from training yards, racecourses, studs, media organisations and racing businesses joined forces to support the charity that provides practical, emotional and financial support to racing’s workforce and retirees.
Among the participants were Racing Welfare Chairman Nick Bannister; Sky Sports Racing presenter Josh Apiafi and racing commentator John Hunt; a team from Newsells Park Stud led by General Manager Julian Dollar; Mount Coote Stud’s Luke and Hugh Lillingston; former jockey-turned-trainer Rhys Flint and jockey Adam Wedge. Teams from Newbury Racecourse and Epsom Downs Racecourse were also among those taking part.
With fundraising continuing, participants have already raised more than £42,000, underlining the racing industry’s ongoing commitment to supporting its people.
Racing Welfare Chairman Nick Bannister said:
“Having just completed the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks myself, I can attest to what a huge challenge it is! It was very tough, very challenging, but the greatest fun – and what a wonderful sense of team spirit! Today’s turnout has been fantastic and demonstrates the strength of support for Racing Welfare across our industry.
“I may take a while to recover, but it has been the most uplifting day. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has walked, donated and supported the challenge.”
The challenge attracted teams and individuals from across British racing, reflecting the breadth of support for Racing Welfare’s work. In 2025 the charity supported more than 2,400 individuals facing injury, illness, financial hardship or major life changes – helping them access practical, emotional and specialist care when they needed it most. The funds raised from this weekend’s event will go directly towards funding these vital services for racing’s people.
Former trainer Harry Dunlop, a regular supporter of Racing Welfare’s fundraising challenges, said:
“A fantastic walk, and a great charity in Racing Welfare which does so much for racing people. Days like this are really well organised and, more importantly, great fun. It was pretty tough, there were lots of people, a real cross-section from across the industry and of course Racing Welfare supports all of them. Onwards and upwards for next year!”
Racing Welfare’s annual walking challenge returns to a different location each year, bringing together supporters from across the sport to raise funds for the industry’s charity. This year’s Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks saw almost 100 participants complete a stunning 22-mile route covering some of the most iconic peaks in South Wales, with the event set to move to the Peak District in 2027. Anyone interested in taking part in next year’s challenge is invited to register their interest now by emailing Jo White jwhite@racingwelfare.co.uk.
