Retired racing staff enjoy a week in Warwickshire
More than thirty members of racing’s retired community enjoyed a week in the Warwickshire countryside this spring for the first Racing Welfare beneficiary holiday since 2019. The holiday, supported by Godolphin, which normally takes place annually, did not go ahead in 2020 or 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has impacted people in so many ways. Evidence shows that older people and those living with health conditions have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19, so we were delighted to finally see the return of the beneficiary holiday this year. Previous attendees have told us the holiday really does make a difference, describing how beneficial it has been to their health and wellbeing. Many have met friends both old and new or simply enjoyed a new experience. Some have formed lasting friendships beyond the holiday and remain in touch with people they might not have had the chance to meet.
Racing Welfare’s Director of Welfare, Simone Sear
The holiday initiative aims to bring the retired community together to reduce loneliness and offer a much-needed respite break to beneficiaries, their partners and carers. Holiday places are offered to people who have worked in horseracing in a variety of roles and to those who otherwise might struggle to access a break due to illness, disability or for other reasons.
Guests on this year’s holiday stayed at Studley Castle, a Grade II listed building set in 28 acres of beautiful countryside in Warwickshire. Beneficiaries were able to enjoy the facilities and vast amount of leisure activities on offer including swimming, archery, boules and walks in the grounds. In addition, day trips to Warwick races, Dan Skelton Racing, Alne Park Stud and a Cotswolds tour were organised throughout the week.
I would like to say a big thank you to Racing Welfare for our week's holiday at Studley Castle. The weather was great, and the food and entertainment were very good. We were grateful for all the extra trips during the week, the day at Warwick races and a lovely trip around the Cotswolds - not forgetting a wonderful and very informative visit to racehorse trainer Dan Skelton’s yard and Alne Park Stud to see the mares and young foals. “Thank you to all the Racing Welfare team for looking after us throughout the week, they worked really hard to make us welcome and enjoy the holiday.”
Beneficiary Andy Johnson
Thank you to Godolphin whose generous support allowed us to run the trip this year.
