THE RACING WELFARE JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGE
Time is running out to sign-up for an exciting challenge which will see participants lacing up their walking boots and chasing the sun along the Jurassic Coast to raise vital funds for horseracing’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare.
The Racing Welfare Jurassic Coast Challenge takes place on Sunday 29th September and the deadline for registration is this Friday 9th August. Following a route along the stunning South West Coast Path, the challenge will start at Durdle Door and finish in Swanage. As well as enjoying the stunning Dorset scenery, the challenge will also be a test of endurance, with the route covering a distance of 20 miles and 1,443 metres of ascent.
A perfect team event, with no limit on team sizes, the challenge is also open to individuals too. This is a fully guided challenge, led by qualified guides from event partner Large Outdoors, with no self-navigation required.
Many people from the world of horseracing, who have directly benefitted from the services provided by Racing Welfare, have signed-up for The Racing Welfare Jurassic Coast Challenge, to give something back to the charity which helped them.
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero of Greenall Guerriero Racing, Stockton Hall Farm, Malpas, Cheshire, are entering a team of 8. Oliver said: “I’m a racehorse trainer employing 25 members of staff and Racing Welfare have always been very good to us. Staff have benefitted from physiotherapy and occupational health services as well as mental health support. We’re also visited by the Racing Welfare Officer for our area, who offers help and guidance when needed.
“The route is supposed to be one of the most beautiful walks you can do so we’re really looking forward to the views, but also the camaraderie that comes with taking part in a team event. I’m usually in the office or going racing, so walking with our team will also be a great chance to have a good chat about things, which I don’t always get the opportunity to do.
“It’s a great charity that’s so important to the horseracing industry and we’re looking forward to taking on the challenge to help raise funds.”
Harry Dunlop, former Lambourn-based Group One-winning trainer who retired from training at the end of the 2022 Flat season, will be taking on The Racing Welfare Jurassic Coast Challenge with his wife Christina.
Harry said: “The inspiration for taking part in the Jurassic Coast Challenge is to get fit. I like walking so this will be a great opportunity to be active while raising funds for an important charity. I used to train horses, so I know about Racing Welfare and what a great cause it is.
“My wife Christina has previously taken part in Racing Welfare’s Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge and she knows the Jurassic Coast, but I don’t know the area, so I’m looking forward to walking somewhere new and raising funds while doing so.”
Benefitting from careers coaching a few years ago from Racing Welfare when he came to a crossroads in his career, Harry is aware of the positive impact the charity has upon the racing industry and is looking forward to the challenge. “I haven’t done much training yet, but I certainly will be in the run-up to the event” he added.
Brittany Rushworth, Barn Leader at Newsells Park Stud in Royston, Hertfordshire, has signed-up to take part with her brother Byron Rushworth, with the aim of raising funds for Racing Welfare as a thank you for the support she received from Racing Welfare following an injury sustained at work.
Brittany said: “I suffered an ankle injury when turning out a horse in training. It really affected my work, and it just wouldn’t get better so our General Manager Julian suggested I contact Racing Welfare for help. They were brilliant and organised and paid for physiotherapy sessions for me which included pool and gym work as well as hands-on physiotherapy. It was a huge help and got me back to work quicker.
“Before I received support from Racing Welfare, I didn’t realise they supported stud staff too, so taking part in this challenge is a great way to raise funds to give something back and to raise awareness of what support is out there for stud staff too.
“My brother and I love hiking and are doing the West Highland Way in Scotland next year so this challenge will be a great practice. We’re looking forward to enjoying the Jurassic coast scenery and meeting new people.”
Registration on the day of the event will open at 5:30am and the aim is for participants to complete the challenge before sunset. Upon completion of the challenge, all participants will be invited to join a post-event celebration.
There is a £39 registration fee per person and a £300 sponsorship target for each participant.