Racehorses whose owners can no longer afford their training fees because of hardship linked to Covid-19 are to be protected from abandonment by a new relief fund.

The “last resort” financial safety net was launched yesterday (14 October) by The Racehorse Owners Association and is being funded initially by The Racing Foundation.

Owners granted relief will have their horses’ fees met for a period of three months, enabling them to have some “breathing space” to decide the best future for the horse.

The Racehorse Relief Fund (RRF) is part of a package of measures proposed in April by the British Horseracing Authority and other racing bodies to help protect the industry from the impact of the pandemic.

A survey conducted at the time, to which 30% of trainers responded, suggested 77 owners were already struggling to pay for their horses. It was predicted that up to 1,500 animals could face abandonment — although this dramatic impact has not yet materialised.

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the ROA, said:“This is about protecting horses and livelihoods. As the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis continue to crystallise it is clear that some owners will be financially affected and no longer able to sustain training fees.

“As a last resort, we hope that this fund will help horses, trainers and owners find a solution that meets the high standards of welfare we expect and provides some financial stability to training yards.”

Rob Hezel, chief executive of the Racing Foundation, added: “The Racing Foundation is proud to be supporting the RRF as the industry looks to minimise the hardship created by Covid-19 on its participants both human and equine.

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“Equine abandonment is a concern for the sport during this period given the massive financial impact of Covid-19. The fund will provide a vital safety net to protect horses and prevent welfare issues occurring.”

The fund will have strict eligibility criteria to identify that all other options have been explored and the horse is definitely no longer affordable.

Applications can be made by either the owner or trainer online at www.rrfund.co.uk and need to be supported by training and veterinary records.

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Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust raises more than £4m

The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust — set up by “the Voice of Racing” has now raised well over £4m for charities.

Following a successful annual award lunch in November 2014, when over £200,000 was raised at auction, the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust has now donated £50,000 to each of the six welfare concerns it has supported since its inception 19 years ago.

The trust’s beneficiaries — Blue Cross, The Brooke, Compassion in World Farming, Racing Welfare, The Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre and World Horse Welfare — have now shared equally over £4 million.

A ceremonial cheque will be presented to representatives of the charities at Ascot racecourse on Saturday 9 May.

For more information visit: www.thevoiceofracing.com

Ball in aid of air ambulances

Students at Moulton College are holding a 1920s themed vintage Hollywood ball on 28 February in aid of the Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance.

The ball is being organised by third year equine science students as part of their degree course.

The students have set up a company Prestige Equine Events to run the ball being, held in The Barn at Moulton College in Northamptonshire.

Tickets cost £25 to include drinks on arrival, canapés and dancing till 1pm.

“We are looking for as many people as possible to attend so that we can raise lots of money for our chosen charity,” said Philippa Richardson, one of the organisers.

For tickets email: moultoncollege1920sball@outlook.com

The Brooke launches ‘spring clean’ fundraiser

The Brooke is appealing to H&H readers to help raise vital funds for working horses abroad by having a spring clean.

The “Brooke-a-Brac” campaign, to be launched on 1 March, is asking people to sell unwanted items online or at a fair and donate the proceeds to the charity.

The charity’s community team will send participants a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to get started. Stallholders are given bunting, tablecloths, leaflets and balloons to brighten up their stands.

“The funds you raise could make a huge difference to the 15,000 horses and donkeys at the Thulai-Hathras Equine Fair in India this August, where Brooke vets are needed to provide emergency treatment to injured and sick animals, plus advice to animal owners. Fairs like these are the charity’s biggest chance to help working animals,” said Jamie Whear from The Brooke.

To request a free pack tel: 020 7470 9393 or email: community@thebrooke.org

Raceday in aid of air ambulances

Stratford-on-Avon racecourse is hosting a Cheltenham Festival preview raceday to raise funds for the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

The raceday is on 9 March, the anniversary of WNAA’s life-saving rescue of jockey Jason Maguire.

After he was rescued in March 2014, Jason became a patron for WNAA, which has been chosen as Stratford racecourse’s 2015 charity of the year.

There are seven races at the raceday, beginning at 2.10pm.

Before the racing there is a two-course lunch in the Paddock Pavilion, followed by afternoon team.

Tables for 10 including preview package and race sponsorship cost £1,850. The tables with just the preview package are available at £650 and individual tickets are on sale at £65.

Guests will be given their Cheltenham tips from a panel including Jason Maguire, Dan Skelton and Niall Hannity. The preview will take place after the last race.

For more information and to book tickets contact Tracy Grunwell tel 07825 634103 or email: tracey@wnaa.co.uk

Racing Welfare is ROA charity of the year

Racing Welfare is the 2015 charity partner for the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA).

The charity will become the focus of the ROA’s annual fundraising efforts, receive all the proceeds from horseracing awards in December and have its work promoted amongst racehorse owners.

From its headquarters in Newmarket, Racing Welfare supports all staff in British racing from recruitment to retirement.

The Racing Welfare’s Housing Association, Racing Homes has over 160 residential units ranging from small flats to family houses for people who have retired after racing.

“We are extremely grateful to have been selected by the ROA as their partner charity and we are all looking forward to working with the organisation over the next year,” said Lesley Graham, chief executive of Racing Welfare.

Last year the ROA raised £50,000 for the Retraining of Racehorses, the charity for horses who have retired from racing.

For more information visit www.racehorseowners.net/en/news/partner-charity-2015/

Charity ride to South Africa

A dozen riders set for South Africa on 25 January to take part in the Waterberg charity ride.

The 200km ride has been organised by Sophie Neville, an experienced horse safari leader.

The route around a remote area of rural South Africa has been planned by Laura Dowinton of Horizon Horseback, who is providing the horses and back-up team.

“We are 10 ladies — five with a background in eventing who are all pretty fit and five of us who are rather creaky. It’s going to be quite an adventure as no one has taken our route before,” Mrs Neville told H&H.

The riders had to raise a minimum of £1,000 for the charity to take part.

“We hope the ride will raise £15,000-£20,000 for the Waterberg Welfare Society (WWS),” said Mrs Neville.

The charity was set up in the UK in 2006 to combat the pandemic HIV/AIDS in a corner of rural South Africa.

For more information visit www.waterbergwelfaresociety.org.

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Owners with horses running at Nottingham Racecourse can be assured they are receiving top treatment, as the racecourse has recently been awarded the Racehorse Owners Association’s (ROA) gold standard.

The Colwick Park track now joins racecourses including Newmarket, Epsom Downs and Ascot among the holders of the coveted honour.

Earlier this year Nottingham unveiled a spacious new purpose-built owners’ bar and informal restaurant.

“There is a general consensus in the feedback we receive from members that Nottingham now provides one of the best race-day experiences for owners outside the bigger tracks,” said Richard Wayman of the ROA.

“We are delighted to recognise Nottingham’s great improvement by awarding them the ROA gold standard.”

James Knox, the new general manager of Nottingham racecourse, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to attain the ROA gold standard. We place huge importance on our relationship with Britain’s horsemen — racehorse owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff.

“We’ve always had a strong reputation for excellent ground conditions and a varied race programme. The ROA Gold Standard shows we’re now backing that up with the race-day experience for owners.”

The ROA gold standard award will be presented at the racecourse’s final fixture of 2014 — Wednesday 5 November.

Do you want to own a racehorse but are mystified by how to get involved?

A new guide to owning a racehorse has been launched by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) to help out.

“A Guide to Racehorse Ownership” is a 60-page online resource aimed to help existing and potential racehorse owners. It has been edited by former H&H racing editor Emma Berry.

“Racehorse ownership can seem incredibly complicated to the newcomer but, until now, accessing impartial advice written in plain language by experts in their field has not been possible,” said Richard Wayman of the ROA.

“Many owners have contributed to the advice contained in the document and I am very grateful that ROA members have been prepared to share their own experiences.”

The Guide covers a broad range of subjects, designed to demystify racehorse ownership and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

The sections include:

Section 1 – History of British horseracing

Section 2 – The racing industry

Section 3 – Different types of racehorse ownership

Section 4 – Buying a racehorse

Section 5 – Costs of keeping a racehorse in training

Section 6 – How to register as an owner and racing administration

Section 7 – Once your horse is in training

Section 8 – Having a runner: the owner’s raceday experience

Section 9 – When a horse’s racing days are over

Section 10 – The Racing Year and Glossary

To download the guide visit: www.racehorseowners.net

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A free helpline has been launched to provide advice for aspiring racehorse owners.

Potential owners can ask questions via phone or email. Ownership advisor Matt Budden, who has 20 years’ experience of racehorse ownership, will manage the service and act as intermediary between potential owners and racehorse trainers or syndicate managers.

Great British Racing, with the support of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), has set up the dedicated enquiry service, which is being promoted through Own1.co.uk — a website for aspiring owners which already receives more than 1,000 visitors a month.

Richard Wayman, ROA chief executive, said: “Racehorse ownership can be the ultimate thrill our sport has to offer, but it can seem an intimidating journey for first-timers.

“This new service aims to provide expert assistance and impartial advice about the full range of ownership options, while also suggesting solutions to suit different pockets.”

Great British Racing’s Rod Street said: “Buying a first racehorse is, for the majority of owners, a ‘considered’ purchase, so any help we can provide has to be of value.”

The service is free for users, and is being part-funded by the British Horseracing Grant Scheme, in conjunction with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Email enquiries@own1.co.uk or call Matt Budden (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), tel: 07884 866607.

Chester racecourse has been named as a Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) gold standard course, for its excellent facilities for owners, stable staff and horses and for its sizeable prize money.

The Cheshire course received the award on Saturday 12 July and is the 14th in the country to be awarded a gold standard.

Dena Arstall from the ROA said: “Chester is a must visit. It’s a unique place to have a runner and full credit everyone there for pushing the boat out and achieving Gold Standard.

“They have implemented a number of exciting changes and are deserving winners of the standard.”

The racecourse has this season opened a brand new owners and trainers facility and more than £100,000 is being spent upgrading the racing surface.

To be a Gold Standard course a minimum level of prize-money is also required. Chester’s prize-money for2007/2008 is over £1.3 million.

Richard Thomas managing director and chief executive of Chester racecourse said: “We believe that the facilities and racing experience that we provide for owners and trainers are among the best in the country.

“We will continue to invest heavily in prize money to maintain and improve our racing product.”

www.chester-races.co.uk

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