Racing Welfare

Racing Welfare has called on the racing industry to get behind two major fundraising events for 2026.  The Racing Welfare Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge and the return of Racing Come Dancing at Epsom Racecourse offer two very different routes to getting involved, but both ask the same question. Could you take on a challenge that pushes you, connects you to others and helps fund vital support across racing?  Together, these flagship events play a critical role in enabling Racing Welfare to deliver its services. The charity is not government...

In a landmark achievement for the Henry Cecil Open Weekend [September 20-21] in Newmarket, £107,454 was raised for charity - a 20% increase on last year's total of £89,196. Proceeds will be donated to the Newmarket Housing Trust and long-term charity partner Racing Welfare. Charlie Fellowes, chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said, "We're absolutely thrilled with the success of this year's Open Weekend. To raise over £107,000 is an incredible achievement and a real testament to the generosity of the racing community and the public. "It was fantastic...

Oisin Murphy will donate £25,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and an equal amount to Racing Welfare, if he keeps his place at the top of the World Pool Jockeys' Championship, which ends at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday. The four-time champion jockey holds a considerable 54.55-point lead over Kieran Shoemark, meaning Shoemark would have to ride a winner at World Pool odds of 54.60 and Murphy draw a blank to be passed. Back in third is the now Hong Kong-based Richard Kingscote, while David...

The 1% Club, a new fundraising initiative designed to unite consignors, breeders, and buyers in support of Racing Welfare, was launched on Wednesday. Through the scheme, consignors and breeders are invited to nominate one yearling from their draft at the upcoming Tattersalls October Yearling Sales, pledging 1% of its sale price to Racing Welfare. Participating horses will be highlighted in sales catalogues, signalling to buyers and the wider industry their valuable contribution to the welfare of racing's people. Chasemore Farm has nominated lot 1827, a bay filly by Pinatubo out...

A record-breaking 27 trainers in Newmarket will open their doors to the public during this year's Henry Cecil Open Weekend, which takes place on September 20-21. They include the likes of William Haggas, Roger Varian, George Boughey and James Fanshawe, while this year also sees the introduction of two autism-friendly yards, in collaboration with Autism In Racing: Ross Burdon and David Simcock. Before the yards open at 9am on Sunday, September 21, visitors are invited to watch some of Newmarket's best horses in action on Warren Hill, an event sponsored...

Racing Welfare marked its 25th anniversary with a dinner at Windsor Castle, with Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal in attendance. The only racing charity that supports all of racing's workforce--from stable staff and racecourse employees to stud workers and retirees--the anniversary represents a significant moment in recognising its lasting contribution to the wellbeing of the sport's people. The evening, hosted by Tom Stanley, brought together individuals from across the racing community, dedicated supporters, and key partners to reflect on Racing Welfare's impact since its formation in 2000. The charity's...

Trainers Andrew Balding, Eve Johnson Houghton and Warren Greatrex were among those to take part in Racing Welfare's Castle to Abbey Challenge on Sunday, raising over £100,000 in the process. A total of 80 participants from across the racing industry completed the North Yorkshire coastline walk, from the historic Scarborough Castle to the iconic Whitby Abbey. Together, the grand total raised so far is £100,507, with donations remaining open via this link. Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said, "I wanted to say such a heartfelt thank you from...

Andrew and Anna Lisa Balding are among more than 70 people to have signed up for Racing Welfare's Castle to Abbey Challenge in Yorkshire. The 22-mile guided trek along the picturesque coastline from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey takes place on July 6 and is the charity's major fundraising event for the year. "We are thrilled to support this event. Racing Welfare does such a great job helping us support our staff and we are delighted that this day falls on a Sunday which means we can dig out our...

Racing Welfare is making a final call for entries to a series of stable staff races which will take place at racecourses across the UK as part of celebrations to mark Racing Staff Week 2025. Entries close on Wednesday, May 7. A unique chance for stable staff to ride under Rules, these races offer participants the opportunity to experience the thrill of competitive racing on the track, whilst raising vital funds for Racing Welfare, the charity dedicated to supporting the well-being of racing's people. Sponsored by Betfair, Racing Staff Week...

The new Home Energy Grant, funded by the John Pearce Foundation, was launched by Racing Welfare on Wednesday. The initiative offers crucial financial assistance to both current and retired individuals within the sector, helping them cope with the rising costs of home energy. The Home Energy Grant offers £300 to eligible households, specifically those living on or below the Minimum Income Standards, as defined by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This support is aimed at individuals and families who are most vulnerable, ensuring they can meet the essential energy needs of...

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was in Newmarket last week to give an address at the annual Racing Welfare's Christmas Carol Concert at Tattersalls. An accomplished horsewoman and former Olympic eventer, Princess Anne is the president of Racing Welfare and has long had an association with the turf having previously ridden in amateur races. Her speech to the sold-out concert included an overview of the importance of the work Racing Welfare undertakes to support the workforce of British horseracing. The concert raised £4,740 for Racing Welfare's chaplaincy service, which...

The nominees for the ROA Epsom Awards, sponsored by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), have been revealed. The awards will take place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday, Nov. 30, and will celebrate the achievements of Epsom's NH and Flat horses, trainers, and industry staff over the past year. The awards ceremony and dinner will be hosted by Frankie Foster and Mattie Batchelor. The nominees for the awards are as follows: Best 2yo - Beautiful Things (M Attwater), Many Men (J Boyle) Best 3yo -Carnival (J Boyle), Hello Cotai (A...