RACING WELFARE’S HAYDOCK PARK CHARITY LUNCH WELCOMES 330 GUESTS

Racing Welfare’s annual Haydock Park Charity Raceday, held on Friday 5th September, attracted 330 guests for an afternoon of superb hospitality and racing on the Friday of the three-day Sprint Cup Festival.

Now in its 23rd year, Racing Welfare’s charity lunch includes a champagne reception, four course lunch, live and silent charity auctions, raffle and a great afternoon of racing in the Park Suite which boasts fabulous views of Haydock Park Racecourse. One of the auction lots was a Frankel painting by renowned artist Dean Douglas who created his artwork live in the room, giving guests the opportunity to see the piece come to life before their eyes.

The event also serves as an important fundraiser in the charity’s calendar and this year has brought in over £55,000 – thanks in no small part to the efforts of the organising committee.

This year, Racing Welfare brought five of their dedicated volunteers along as guests to thank them for giving their time to help the charity in various ways.

Steve Marshall was one of them. He said: “I’ve been volunteering for Racing Welfare for about five or six years now, helping out at the Middleham and Malton Open Days, and doing bucket collections at the races. I’ve always been interested in racing since I was a teenager and I’ve been involved in racehorse ownership for the last 10 years so when I saw it advertised, I thought it was a good opportunity to put something back into something that gives me so much enjoyment.

“Haydock was very good. I always enjoy a day at the races, and I was pleasantly surprised to have been invited, it was a lot bigger than I expected. I met some new people, and it went very well with a nice meal, good company – the only thing that was a bit lacking was some winners! It was a superb day, and a real step up to go to such an organised event and enjoy the hospitality.”

Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive commented: “This has been a wonderful renewal of our annual Haydock Park Charity Raceday, and I’d like to recognise the remarkable efforts of our committee consisting of Gary Middlebrook, Keith Widdicks, and Steve Allen, as well as the directors and staff of Haydock Park Racecourse for helping to bring everything together.

“It was our absolute pleasure to host some of our wonderful volunteers at the event. Their dedication and commitment play a vital role in everything we do, and this was a special opportunity to celebrate and thank them for the contribution they make to Racing Welfare and the wider racing community. We are also incredibly grateful to each of our attendees for supporting the event, and in doing so, helping ensure that Racing Welfare can continue its vital work at a time when funds have never been more needed.”

For those interested in attending Racing Welfare’s Haydock Park Charity Raceday in 2026, please contact ckingston@racingwelfare.co.uk

Racing Welfare is always keen to welcome new volunteers in a variety of roles to help us carry on providing support to those who need us. Anyone interested in our volunteering opportunities can contact kpanagarry@racingwelfare.co.uk