RACING WELFARE LAUNCHES NINTH ANNUAL RACING STAFF WEEK TO CELEBRATE RACING’S EVERYDAY HEROES
As Royal Ascot draws to a close, so begins another important week in the racing calendar. Racing Welfare is proud to announce the launch of the ninth annual Racing Staff Week, taking place from 21st – 27th June 2025, generously sponsored by Betfair. The nationwide celebration shines a spotlight on the dedication, hard work, and passion of the staff who are the backbone of the British horseracing and breeding industry.
Racing Staff Week is an initiative which aims to recognise the vital contribution made by the thousands of stable and stud staff, racecourse teams, administrative workers, and other behind-the-scenes personnel who keep the sport running every day.
Racing Welfare is holding community events up and down the country including sporting events and coffee mornings, as well as having a racecourse presence at a number of fixtures throughout the week with games. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to get involved by hosting their own celebrations at their workplace.
A returning highlight of the week will be the ever-popular stable staff charity races, which will take place at Ayr (21st), Newbury (24th) and Nottingham (26th). They give those working behind the scenes the opportunity to experience the thrill of becoming a jockey for the day, riding in a race in front of a crowd.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural photography competition which drew entries from cross the whole of the industry, it returns for 2025. The images are intended to showcase the beauty and diverse nature of our industry and workplaces across six different categories, with the winners and runners up of each category being featured in Racing Welfare’s 2026 calendar. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry stakeholders, and new for this year, Betfair Ambassador and Grand National winning former jockey Rachael Blackmore will be part of the panel selecting the overall winner.
Barry Orr, Head of horseracing PR said: “We’re proud to support Racing Staff Week for the ninth year running. Horseracing wouldn’t be what it is without the hard work and passion of the people behind the scenes. This week is all about celebrating them—and we’re glad to be part of it.”
Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Racing Staff Week is about celebrating the people who make racing possible – the early mornings, the long journeys, the tireless commitment to the horses and the sport. We’re proud to be entering our ninth year and, more than ever, to be shining a light on the individuals whose efforts so often go unseen. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors Betfair, who make this celebration possible.”
For more information about Racing Staff Week 2025, the events in your area, and how to get involved with the photography competition, visit www.racingwelfare.co.uk/rsw and follow us on social media @RacingWelfare.