Racing Welfare’s Castle to Abbey Challengers Raise Over £100k For Racing’s People

On Sunday 6th July, Racing Welfare saw 80 enthusiastic participants from across the racing industry take on the charity’s latest endurance fundraiser: the Castle to Abbey Challenge, a 22-mile coastal trek from the historic Scarborough Castle to the iconic Whitby Abbey – raising an incredible £100k in the process.

Undeterred by the demanding route and changeable British summer weather, which was less than kind in the first five miles, the group completed the stunning North Yorkshire coastline walk with determination and camaraderie, all in aid of Racing Welfare’s vital work supporting the people who make up the backbone of the racing industry. Together, the grand total raised so far is £100,507, with donations still coming in.

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said: “I wanted to say such a heartfelt thank you from Racing welfare to every single person who has taken part from the first past the post to the last – for all of the miles they’ve covered, and the fundraising and the promotion they’ve done. It has been probably our biggest challenge event to date, and probably the most money raised from any challenge event we’ve ever done from individual sponsors, so I can’t thank everybody enough. The support has been truly humbling. The funds raised will make a real difference to those in our industry facing difficult times, whether that’s through mental health support, housing advice, or financial assistance.

“To put into context the difference that could make, £100k could fully fund the costs of two welfare officers for a year, providing vital face-to-face support on the ground, as well as paying for the delivery of two instances of critical incident support in the aftermath of a traumatic event at a workplace. At what is a very tough time for charities, this kind of support goes a long way and helps us continue to be there for all of racing’s people when they need us most.”

Some of those taking part did so for very personal reasons, including Warren Greatrex who captained a team of 14, The Lambourn Wanderers. He said: “Over the last five years I have got to know the team at Racing Welfare very well. Unfortunately for the saddest of reasons. As many of you know my yard has had three tragedies in recent years where three young members of our team took their own lives. No words can describe the devastation it leaves behind for the families, friends and colleagues.

“On each occasion Racing Welfare have been nothing short of incredible. They have been on site in each case in the matter of minutes. Their skill, compassion and kindness has been exemplary. From bringing in biscuits and checking everybody is ok to organising counselling sessions for all that needed it. No stone is unturned to make sure everyone is cared for. I cannot thank them enough. These cases are just a small part of their work and they are a much needed support system in our industry. This is why when I was approached to take on this challenge there was only ever going to be one answer. Please give generously so we can help them continue their incredible work for the whole racing industry.”

Andrew Balding added on the day: “Racing Welfare have been a big support to many of my staff, many of my colleagues and friends over the last few years and it’s a charity very close to our hearts and we’re very always very keen to support them if we can.”

Apart from raising a huge amount in much-needed funds for the charity, one of the additional highlights of the event was the huge range of people from all walks of the racing industry uniting for the cause, including trainers, stud staff, volunteers, jockeys, racecourse staff, media and everything in between, creating a huge sense of community and team spirit.

Racing Welfare’s event partner Large Outdoors had advised that most people take 10-12 hours to complete the challenge route, but remarkably the first group home, comprising members of The Lambourn Wanderers and Team Apiafi, completed in less than seven hours, with Finn Apiafi taking the bragging rights for first past the post! You can take the people out of racing but not the racing out of the people…

Jockey Charlie Bishop, part of The Lambourn Wanderers said upon completion: “Everyone was saying it wasn’t a race, but it’s still nice to win isn’t it? All joking apart it was great, it was challenging, it wasn’t easy but a really good thing to do and great that we’ve raised so much money for a great charity. I felt to be fair we went a solid pace and fair play to Harry [Dunlop] – I’ll say he’s got a year or two or me and he kept up and stuck in there strong. I think credit goes to Harry on this one, early fractions were strong, very strong but we kept going!”

This year’s challenge builds on the success of Racing Welfare’s previous fundraising events and reaffirms the racing community’s commitment to looking after its people, both on and off the track.

Donations for the Castle to Abbey Challenge remain open, and Racing Welfare encourages anyone who wishes to support the cause to visit: https://racingwelfare.enthuse.com/cf/the-racing-welfare-castle-to-abbey-challenge