Tributes have been paid to Jordan Smith, who worked in racing, and who has died aged 29.

Work rider Jordan was found dead at his employer Kevin Philippart de Foy’s base at Egerton Stud, Newmarket, on Saturday morning (15 July).

Officers from Cambridgeshire Police attended the scene.

“We were called at 5.05am on Saturday with reports of a sudden death at a property in Cambridge Road, Newmarket,” said a police spokesman.

“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and has been handed to the coroner.”

On Saturday a spokesman for Kevin Philippart de Foy Racing said it was with “great sadness” that a member of the team had died that day.

“Please respect the family and KPF Racing team by allowing their privacy at this time. Further details will follow at a later stage,” he said.

Kevin has since paid tribute to Jordan, who had worked for him for two years, and told the Racing Post everyone at Machell Place and Egerton Stables is devastated. He said Jordan was a “fantastic lad”, and had taken 2022 Victoria Cup winner Vafortino to York the day before his death. He added that Jordan “loved his horse”.

Jordan was also a cricket player and member of Newmarket Cricket Club.

“Jordan played for the club since it began and was a popular member, talented batsmen and all-round clubman,” said a spokesman for the club.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jordan’s family. RIP Jordy.”

A Racing Welfare spokesman said the organisation is “greatly saddened to hear of the recent tragic death of Jordan”.

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with Jordan’s family and friends at this sad time,” said the spokesman.

“Anyone affected by the tragedy can call Racing Welfare on 0800 6300 443 to speak to a trained counsellor 24 hours a day. All calls are completely free and confidential.”

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During 2021 Mental Health Awareness Week (10-16 May) plans for a new vital resource to help riders get more support have been revealed.

Mental health organisation Riders Minds, which celebrates its first birthday this week, will launch a new text and web chat service in the near future. The charity was founded by the late event rider Matthew Wright and his wife, Victoria, with support from a number of companies, and with the British Grooms Association and Equestrian Employers Association acting as consultants.

Following 38-year-old Matthew’s death on 15 February, supporters donated thousands of pounds to the organisation, which has been used to fund the new service.

“Adding a live chat and text service to the Riders Minds helpline was critically important and it is because of the generosity of other people that this became possible,” said Victoria.

“Matthew always said to me ‘men can’t just pick up the phone and talk to someone they don’t even know’, and after everything that’s happened I couldn’t get this out of my mind. We had to do something and something that Matt would be proud of.”

Victoria added that the organisation will continue to work hard to improve the service provided by Riders Minds and in doing so “hopefully save more lives”.

“We will work hard to remove the stigma of suicide. No bereaved person should ever have to read that word on a death certificate. It’s not suicide, it’s an illness,” she said.

“Riders Minds wants to ensure that we improve the mental wellbeing of all equestrian people and that with our help and the services provided, you can and will get better.”

At the start of May the organisation launched the 100 Miles for Riders Minds virtual challenge encouraging people to ride, walk, run or cycle 100 miles to raise awareness of the mental health support available to the equestrian industry. Individuals or teams can take part and the challenge is still welcoming new participants: https://ridersminds.org/news/26/100-miles-for-riders-minds.

Other initiatives by the organisation launching this week include a small selection of branded clothing, with all profits going to the organisation’s work, and a new section on the Riders Minds website for those supporting others struggling with mental health.

Racing Welfare, a charity supporting the workforce of British horseracing, is also supporting Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is nature and the racing charity has launched a digital campaign highlighting the importance of engaging with the natural world to benefit mental health. A video produced in conjunction with Equine Productions and the staff at trainer Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere training operation will be released this week.

The charity is also highlighting a survey, launched by the Industry Wellbeing Committee, a committee made up of industry-wide professionals, to gather “crucial baseline data” on the wellbeing of the sport’s entire workforce. The survey, which closes on Sunday (16 May) can be taken here: https://horseracingindustry.gooddayatwork.co.uk/Login.aspx

“The results of the survey will be fundamental in enabling real improvement in the health and wellbeing of racing’s people going forward, by informing the wellbeing strategy and the kind of support which will be provided to employers and employees alike,” said a Racing Welfare spokesman.

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Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow said Mental Health Awareness Week is a “hugely important” campaign for the charity and the racing industry.

“We are proud to lead the initiative on behalf of racing again this year. I hope the week raises awareness of the help available through Racing Welfare and that anyone in need of support feels able to get in touch with us,” she said.

“I would encourage everyone who works in the sport to complete the wellbeing survey. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your say and shape the future of workplaces right across the industry.”

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A young racing fan raising money for charity aims to complete her fundraising challenge next weekend with a little help from some well-known trainers.

Eight-year-old Freja Thackray from North Yorkshire is raising money for Racing Welfare by running 20 lots of 2,021 metres in 2021.

Freja’s mum Mary, a racehorse owner, told H&H her daughter has always been around racing and has a love of horses.

“She was fortunate to go to Cheltenham last year, she just loves all of it,” said Mary.

“She likes the Flat because it’s quicker and more exciting but she also likes National Hunt because you can get those really unusual David and Goliath kind of wins; she likes the victory in adversity stories.”

Freja was keen to raise money for the charity, having met Racing Welfare chief executive Dawn Goodfellow at Newcastle racecourse last year.

“Freja was chatting away to Dawn about what the charity does and she came away and said ‘We can do something for that, Mummy’, and that’s what we did,” said Mary.

“She’s been around racing her entire life and known jockeys who have had to retire through injury, or had to change career due to injuries on the gallops, and she’s very aware of the help Racing Welfare gives.”

Freja, who has been running at local racecourses and yards, will run her final lots next weekend at the yards of trainers Charlie Longsdon, Martin and Belinda Keighley, and Fergal O’Brien.

“We’ve had some really kind offers from trainers and a lot of support from the racing community,” said Mary. “Freja is beyond excited.”

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The original fundraising target was £500 but to date Freja has raised almost £4,700, through her JustGiving page and other donations.

“She would have been thrilled with £500 but to raise this much is unbelievable,” said Mary. “She knows it will help a lot of people but she says ‘we’ve got more to do and we can help more people’. She is blown away by the support. The aim now is to get to £5,000 if we can – 10 times the target would be mind-blowing.

“Charities need help now more than ever because they haven’t been able to fundraise in the normal ways they would, but equally the people you’re asking to donate are facing tough times too, so people have been incredibly kind and generous with their support.”

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A charity has thanked the “overwhelming generosity” of donors after hitting its £500,000 Covid-19 Emergency Appeal target.

Racing Welfare, which supports the industry’s workforce in times of need, launched its appeal in the spring to plug the impending funding gap resulting from the cancellation of in-person fundraising events owing to the pandemic.

A spokesperson for the charity said it is “testament to the generosity” of the industry that the target was reached before the end of the year.

“I can honestly say that we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the racing community,” said chief executive Dawn Goodfellow.

“The news that we have hit our target is a great boost as we head towards the end of 2020, and a wonderful reflection of the unwavering support we have received this year.

“I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has donated during what has been a tough time for so many.

“I very much hope everyone in the industry is able to enjoy the festive period and remind anyone who needs support that Racing Welfare remains available 24/7 throughout this time.”

The charity is there to help anyone who works in the industry, including stable and stud staff, racecourse workers, the point-to-point world, plus those who work in allied industries such as the racing media.

Its support includes a 24/7 helpline, occupational help, financial grants for those facing hardship — including a specific Covid fund — housing support and more.

This year, one of the charity’s major focuses has been to find ways of bringing the community together during the pandemic as part of its work to combat loneliness and isolation.

The fundraising announcement came in the same week that the charity sent out nearly 600 Christmas boxes to retired racing staff, who would normally be meeting for Christmas lunches across the country. Projects such as check-in calls to people on their own and the Facebook group Racing Conversation have also been a part of the charity’s drive to combat loneliness.

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“Having worked at racecourses in a sociable, customer-facing role for more than 30 years, it was a big change to suddenly have to self-isolate on my own,” said Fran Marshall, a member of the Racing Conversation group.

“Racing Welfare’s weekly Racing Conversation Q&As have helped me to feel that sense of community and to connect with others, albeit from behind a screen. The hosts are entertaining, informative and give insight right across the industry, I look forward to tuning in every Thursday.”

The Racing Welfare spokesman added the charity’s virtual events played a major role in reaching the targets and “every penny contributed” has helped the organisation adapt and continue to serve racing’s workforce.

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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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Classic-winning former jockey George Baker is in training to run the London Marathon three years after a horrific fall at St Moritz.

George will be running the 26.2 miles on 26 April in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, of which he is a trustee, and Racing Welfare.

Three years ago, George sustained a serious head injury in a life-changing fall while racing at the 2017 White Turf meeting in St Moritz, Switzerland. His injury resulted in an end to the St Leger winning jockey’s race riding career.

“My accident led to many months of recuperation from a brain injury,” said George.

“The IJF swung into action, and the help and support of their rehabilitation teams has allowed me to lead a normal and happy life.

“I was so honoured, therefore, to be invited to become a trustee of the charity last year, as I am a simple testament to what their work achieves in supporting jockeys and their families.”

George is training for the marathon with the help of the IJF team at Oaksey House, using its gym and physio facilities, as well as the specialist Running School, London, which also helped George learn to walk again three years ago.

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“I know that tackling a marathon is a challenge for everyone, but as my balance is not what it was, I have had to learn to walk and run again,” George added.

“What will keep me going is the pledge I’ve made to raise funds for both the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare.

“My life in racing has given me first-hand insight into the amazing work both charities do to support their beneficiaries working across the sport, and not just in the saddle.”

George’s total has already topped £2,500 — including gift aid takes it to more than £3,000.

“Three years ago, George had to learn to walk again,” said IFJ president Sir AP McCoy.

“And now he’s going to run the London marathon, one of the toughest things you can ever do. He says himself that it might not be pretty, but to me it’s totally remarkable and I admire him so much for even attempting it.”

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A team of cyclists will undertake the 150-mile journey from Cheltenham to Aintree to raise money to fund mental health support training in memory of a talented young rider.

Tim Jones was 17 years old when he took his own life earlier this year. The teenager held his amateur jockey licence and worked for trainer Micky Hammond. He also competed in eventing, including riding at Badminton’s Mitsubishi Motors Cup championships earlier this year.

His father, Simon, launched an appeal to raise money for Racing Welfare to spend on training those working in the industry in mental health first aid (news, 26 September).

Mental Health First Aid England’s training gives people practical skills, knowledge and confidence to help them spot signs of mental ill health in those around them and to offer support as a first point of contact.

“The response to our campaign, launched in memory of Tim has been overwhelming,” said Mr Jones.

“With the money raised, we now start the job of delivering the training that will help us realise our initial ambition of a trained mental health first aider in each yard.

“It is wonderful that our generous donors can now see how their money is being used and how the welfare of our racing colleagues is being supported.”

Mr Jones is part of the team taking on the sponsored bike ride include will pedal from Cheltenham racecourse in Gloucestershire to Aintree racecourse in Merseyside on 2 April, the first day of the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival.

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The Liverpool venue will also host a fundraising event in Tim’s memory on the day, where a painting of the young rider will be auctioned.

The painting (pictured top), by artist Diane Marshall, is of Tim riding on Middleham’s gallops through the snow and was presented to Mr Jones on Saturday (19 October) at Market Rasen.

Around £15,000 has already been raised in Tim’s memory and some of this money has already gone towards running a training course by Mental Health First Aid England for racing staff in Middleham.

For more information, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/s-jones38

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Feeling the need to “appear strong” in front of colleagues and peers is one of the biggest single causes for those in the racing industry to avoid seeking mental health help, a study has highlighted.

The research, by Liverpool John Moores University and Racing Welfare, was released on Monday (13 May) to tie in with Mental Health Awareness week (13 to 19 May).

Co-author Will McConn-Palfreyman told guests at the launch at Royal Windsor racecourse that the title, A lifestyle rather than a job, was the sentiment echoed by several trainers during the course of the research.

“That it is this all-encompassing lifestyle is continually spoken about across all facets of racing,” he said.

“There is a good side to that, which is a sense of meaning, a sense of purpose, of being part of something bigger than yourself, which are all healthy psychological concepts. But there is a flip side, which is that it can become too much, leading to burn-out and mental health concerns.”

The study also showed stress, anxiety and depression are the most common mental health concerns across the industry.

A total of 86.67% of jockeys reported they had experienced stress, anxiety or depression over the past 12 months. This figure was 74.55% for trainers, 71.99% for stable staff and 79.25% for stud workers.

These figures came from a questionnaire, completed by more than 1,500 people, and data was also collected through face-to-face interviews and focus groups with 131 individuals.

Mr McConn-Palfreyman stressed this was a “flavour” of what they believe is happening in the industry.

It also found around 27.59% of the racing industry have trouble concentrating or memory loss (30.67% jockeys; 29.09% trainers; 25.06% stable staff; 32.08% stud workers and 21.04% generic).

A perception that they “need to appear ‘strong’ in front of colleagues and peers” was the single biggest barrier for all groups to not seeking support.

“This comes up again and again,” added Mr McConn-Palfreyman. “People wear it as a badge of honour, as part of their identity and who they are. But it has that flip side and that tough side and potentially causes people to be less engaged with the conversation.”

Time constraints, worries over costs, concerns about confidentiality and perceptions of social stigma were among the other reasons.

The top three “stressors” for jockeys were financial insecurity, finding rides and maintaining the appearance of success (“status”). Isolation, long drives to and from the races and weight issues also featured on the list.

More help in terms of careers advice, jockey coaching, a peer support system and financial advice were among the recommendations.

For trainers, horse injuries, financial insecurity and bad debts from owners were highlighted as the top three issues.

The study recommended a debt collection management system and more business support for new trainers could be among the ways to help.

Stable staff reported that a feeling they had to work even if they were sick or injured was the main problem, with ensuring their wages cover their personal costs and lack of pay for overtime other worries.

Flexitime, “in-house” mental health support and an expansion of physiological and psychological support to mirror that given to jockeys have been recommended.

Panel member and licensed trainer Lawney Hill suggested having pastoral care at race meetings could be a good way to ensure trainers, jockeys and staff have easier access to help.

“Trainers, jockeys, training staff need to be at the races — that is their job,” she said.

“Maybe move pastoral care to the races to take the care to them. If there was somebody there they could go and speak to on a completely confidential level, it then makes it easier.”

Watch the full presentation and panel discussion below

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Mr McConn-Palfreyman added a lot of positive work is already happening in the industry.

“I can’t stress that enough and I hope that comes through in the report. Most of us are expanding on that and doing more of it,” he said.

Ed Davey, community head of the Mental Health Foundation, who was also on the panel, said the statistics in the report are “quite comparable” to the overall national picture and praised the research.

“Anecdotally we might hear of problems and issues we want to do something about. But unless we have statistically robust findings, which we have here in this report, it is difficult to know what the right thing is to do. This is absolutely a brilliant next step for this industry, which I really commend. There are certain factors [in here] true of any industry and any community.

“This is a community and that is a real advantage and the other advantage is this is an industry that people feel passionately about and want to be involved in. That is fantastic.”

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Researchers are seeking to find out more about links between working in racing and mental health.

Racing Welfare launched the final phase of its mental health research project in the form of an online survey and is encouraging all those working in the industry to take part.

The charity is working with post-graduate researcher Will McConn of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) on the study, which is part-funded by a Racing Foundation grant.

“To have moved into this final stage of the research is really exciting,” said Racing Welfare director of welfare Simone Sear.

“We anticipate that Will’s conclusions will underline a number of positive practices happening in racing as it stands at the moment, in addition to providing evidence that will help us to evolve and refine Racing Welfare’s mental health and wellbeing services for the future.”

Interviews and focus groups have already taken place, involving 130 people from across the industry, including trainers, stable staff, jockeys, stud workers, racing secretaries, and representatives from various industry governing bodies.

The survey looks to expand on several areas that have arisen throughout the interview process.

“The research perspective is neutral; it seeks to establish an overview of mental wellbeing in the industry, encompassing thriving mental health right through to issues associated with poor health such as low mood, stress and clinically diagnosed conditions,” said a statement from Racing Welfare.

“The practical applications of the research findings will focus on the development of Racing Welfare’s mental health services, but also highlight and grow the many good practices that already exist within the industry.

“As such both Racing Welfare and LJMU would like to hear from everyone, regardless of where it is felt their mental health falls within the overall spectrum.”

The questionnaire takes around 15 minutes to complete and all submissions are confidential. It will be open until 22 February, with the final report published on 13 May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week 2019.

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“We are really pleased with the level of engagement we have encountered when undertaking the interview and focus group stage of the research,” said Mr McConn.

“I have no doubt that this openness will continue into the final phase of the project.

“The survey gives us an opportunity to include everyone working in racing and I would ask that as many people as possible take part to express their own experiences and perspectives.”

Click here to take part in the survey

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A groom who battled with serious depression has opened up about his struggle to encourage others to seek help.

Racing Welfare has released a film featuring Duggie’s story to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May).

The Mental Health Foundation, which hosts the week, is focusing on stress this year.

Racing Welfare is one of the many equestrian bodies to be involved in promoting awareness of mental wellbeing and helping those in the industry who are going through tough times.

The British Grooms Association has also launched a helpline for its members, in conjunction with Racing Welfare, providing 24/7 support for people working in any part of the equestrian industry who are struggling.

Racing Welfare’s film, released yesterday (14 May), features the story of one of their beneficiaries, Duggie, who was helped by the charity after falling ill.

“If there’s a horse not looking right, we pick up on their attitudes in 10 seconds, but it would take you 10 weeks to notice that your mate working beside you isn’t,” said Duggie.

“I think that’s maybe where we need to start paying a bit more attention and maybe treat each other like we do the horses.

“I was doing a travelling head lad’s job at the time, so I was on the road constantly. You tend to isolate yourself, and that’s when I really started to have trouble.

“It was depression and from there I developed a lot of problems with anxiety.”

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Duggie tried to take his own life more than once.

“I felt I was so absolutely worthless and useless, I just lost all self-respect for myself,” he said.

“I didn’t realise that I did actually have an illness, it wasn’t until it was explained to me about hormones and chemicals and all those sort of things that I could suddenly focus on it.

“I was like, ‘ah right, OK — that’s what is wrong with me, now I can deal with it’.”

He added opening up was the “biggest step”and encouraged others to talk to someone sooner rather than later.

“The first time I said to someone, ‘I’m not really coping here’, it was like they always say — it was a big weight off my shoulders,” he said.

“Once I realise I had problems and opened up about it, it was really good for me.

“Racing Welfare helped me out a lot last year, from the helpline that puts you in contact, right through to the social side.

“A horse can’t judge you, a horse just sees you as part of his herd — if you treat him well, he will always treat you well in return. Well, apart from the odd two-year-old colt here and there!”

Where to find help

• British Grooms Association britishgrooms.org.uk/grooms-minds
• Mind www.mind.org.uk
• Racing Welfare racingwelfare.co.uk
• Samaritans www.samaritans.org or phone 116 123

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

This week’s edition (10 May) features our full report from Badminton, including in-depth analysis, expert comment, pictures and more. Plus, read our feature on the options for retiring your horse and in this week’s vet clinic we look into the challenges of equine surgery

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A fun insight into life in a race yard has been released ahead of Racing Staff Week.

The Racing Welfare initiative, sponsored by Betfair, runs from today (1 July) until 8 July.

Equine Productions’ snappy “second a day” film features more than 100 racing staff from across the UK as well as cameos from Wocket Woy star Mattie Bachelor and ITV Racing’s Ollie Bell.

All 41 race meetings this week are taking part, with some tracks offering prizes and gifts to stable staff.

These include free ice creams for racing staff at York today, while Cartmel racecourse will be giving workers sticky toffee puddings to take home. Many courses are also offering increased best turned out prizes.

Lingfield and Doncaster will host the two stable staff charity races — the Betfair Three Feathers Cup today and the Betfair Clock Tower Cup on 7 July respectively.

“We are thrilled at the great initiatives being run for racing staff throughout the week, both from racecourses and industry bodies,” said Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare chief executive.

“Racing Staff Week will not only create awareness among racegoers about the vital role of racing staff, but will also show staff, from across studs, stables and racecourses, how much their skill and dedication is appreciated.”

The National Trainers Federation is launching a £4,000 award for racing grooms in memory of the late racehorse trainer Toby Balding.

The annual award will go to a member of stable staff to further their career and train for a higher-level qualification or to undertake personal development training.

Meanwhile the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) is putting money towards barbecues or social events at 30 racing yards.

“The great care and effort given by staff looking after racehorses is very much appreciated by their owners,” said ROA chief executive Charlie Liverton.

“The ROA is delighted the barbecue initiative has proved so popular as it recognises these vital staff and gives owners an opportunity to socialise with them in a relaxed environment.

Racing Welfare has also organised events for staff in Newmarket, Middleham, Malton and Lambourn, to which owners are also invited.

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The British Horseracing Authority and Careers in Racing will be hiding 13 “golden tickets” around racecourses and training centres.

All bar one of these contain £100 high street vouchers, with the 13th containing an invitation for two to the 2018 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards.

The National Association of Stable Staff will be holding daily draws for Red Letter experience vouchers and a grand prize at the end of the week.

“This [week] is a great opportunity for everybody associated with racing to show their appreciation for the work the staff do,” said George McGrath, NASS chief executive.

“Racing is a labour of love requiring the staff to work early mornings and late evenings.

“Racing Staff Week gives the owners and trainers a chance to say thank you to the staff and raises the public’s awareness of the skilled work we do.”

Visit www.racingstaffweek.com for more details of events and prizes.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Runners swapped riding boots for trainers to take on the London Marathon and raise thousands of pounds for equestrian causes.

H&H news writer Rachael Turner was among the 40,000 people pounding the capital’s streets on Sunday (23 April) for charity.

She was running for World Horse Welfare — H&H’s 2017 charity of the year — finishing in a time of 4 hours 52 minutes and raising £1,793.

Rachael said it was an “incredible experience” and thanked everyone who donated.

“The second half of the marathon was really tough and I had to dig deep to keep going,” she said.

“The crowds were incredible — I don’t think I could have made it without them. Nothing beats that incredible atmosphere. Running past Buckingham Palace at the end was something I will never forget.

“Thinking of all the horses that would be helped though the money people had donated helped me through the last miles — my temporary suffering does not compare to theirs.

“I’m so glad I could do something to support them and World Horse Welfare’s work.”

Rosie Arbuthnot, Ann Bowe, James Hemingfield and Vikki Scott also ran for World Horse Welfare.

“We would like to express a huge thank you to all those who ran the 2017 London Marathon to raise money for World Horse Welfare,” said Frances Plume, on behalf of the charity.

“Tackling a marathon is no small task and it’s an amazing achievement which all our runners should be very proud of.”

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Racing Welfare’s nine runners raised more than £34,000 for the charity, which provides help and support to anyone working — or who has worked — in the horseracing and breeding industry.

Godolphin employee Alex Cairns crossed the line in a speedy 3 hours 6 minutes.

Also running for Racing Welfare was Racing Foundation chief executive and marathon first-timer Rob Hezel, Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson, Fergal O’Brien’s head lad Kevin Brown, Jane Petrucci, Megan Hurst and groundsmen Darrin Lenharth and Sam Butler-Spelzini.

Ben Blowes completed the team of nine — running the 26.3-mile route with a tumble dryer attached to his back.

“This year’s Racing Welfare Marathon team have been truly awe-inspiring, not least for their physical efforts, but for their outstanding fundraising skills as well,” said chief executive Dawn Goodfellow.

“To date they have raised over £34,000 and the total is still rising. It is amazing to have such a fantastic team running for the charity and we cannot thank them enough.”

Taking part for the Animal Health Trust (AHT) were six brave runners.

These were Daniel Mead, Harry Fielder, Charlotte Meelam, Becki Hayes, Anysia Huggins and Kate Flory.

Anysia, who shattered her femur in a riding accident seven years ago, and had to learn to walk again. She finished in 5 hours 21 minutes.

“We are so proud of Anysia and all of our runners,” said Andrew Simmonds, head of individual giving at the AHT.

“We are so grateful for their huge commitment to training and fundraising, especially in our 75th anniversary year. Together they have raised almost £10,500, which will benefit so many animals as we are able to continue our vital research into improving treatments and discovering cures. A massive thank you and well done to them — we hope they have their feet up today.”

Brooke had 17 London Marathon runners, who raised a total of £36,000 for the charity.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their amazing support and hard work,” said a spokesman.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and charity Racing Welfare have signed up to the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation.

The decision was revealed on day two of Mental Health Awareness Week (16-22 May), organised by the Mental Health Foundation.

The charter, launched in March 2015 by the government’s sport and recreation alliance, sets out how sport can tackle mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.

Other sporting bodies that have already signed up include UK Athletics, Lawn Tennis Association, the FA, Rugby Football Union and the English Cricket Board.

Last year, the BHA appointed a dedicated welfare development manager — Matt Mancini.

He has been tasked with helping the organisation to meet the charter’s six core areas.

These include adopting good mental health policies and practices; appointing ambassadors and role models; tackling discrimination on the grounds of mental health; and supporting a pan-sport platform to develop and share resources and best practice.

Mr Mancini told H&H he is looking both within the BHA and at the wider racing industry to address mental health problems.

“I think it is really important that people understand that it is normal,” he said.

“Racing has a number of people that are specialists and can provide the care and support in times of need.”

He added the BHA also does a lot of work with charities and support organisations, such as the National Association of Stable Staff and the Professional Jockeys Association.

“Staff are the heartbeat of the industry. It is a tough job that is done by people who are passionate about it,” he told H&H.

“It is only right that the services are there to support them.”

There is already substantial support within the racing industry in terms of wellbeing and mental health.

“We aim to educate those involved in racing, with all the unique challenges it entails, to be aware that support is available and that it is always better to come forward and speak to someone,” added Mr Mancini. “We want to break down the stigma that is attached to mental health and tackle it head on.”

The likes of Racing Welfare, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the Injured Jockeys Fund (H&H’s charity of the year) all offer help.

“We are all part of the same family and we work increasingly closely together,” Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s chief medical adviser told H&H.

“We will approach it from a slightly different angle, but the common theme is supporting our sporting participants.”

The BHA has numerous initiatives, education and research projects taking place.

Among these are a recent review of its track-side care, a PhD cardiac health study and research into how it can actively help jockeys recover from concussion.

One of its focuses is better nutrition and how to get the information to the jockeys.

“There are issues associated with horseracing which can put unique strains on our participants, for example the requirement for jockeys and work riders to monitor and control their weight at all times,” added Dr Hill.

“This can have an emotional and mental impact, and for this reason it is imperative that we provide the right support to our workforce.

“Important work is under way on this front in the Jockey Nutrition and Welfare PhD. A priority of mine is to address these issues at source by educating our participants on how to care better for themselves and to consider themselves as athletes, rather than simply as horsemen.

“I fully endorse the signing of the charter and any resultant work that can be done to provide further support to our industry’s mental health.”

The BHA has also issued a mission statement around mental health: “British Horseracing aims to support its participants through a variety of welfare services and specialist facilities to enhance the health and wellbeing of those who help to make the sport what it is.

“The BHA recognises the responsibility to the workforce and the communities that it operates in and is committed to raising awareness around mental health, both internally and amongst stakeholders.

“We will work closely with partners to communicate the good work already going on in this area, lead and support the development of new innovative initiatives and take action across the six key areas of the charter.”

Racing Welfare has events taking place all this week with a focus on mental health awareness. Meanwhile, the PJA has said it will shortly be opening its helpline to retired jockeys and will be including mental health and wellbeing a key element of its new jockey training strategy.

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Sir Peter O’Sullevan raises money for the Brooke

The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust has donated £50,000 to equine welfare charity the Brooke.

Since become patron of the Brooke in 1999, Sir Peter has been actively involved with the charity, visiting its work overseas and raising money through his own charitable trust.

The latest donation brings the total raised for the Brooke over the past 18 years by the Trust to more than £600,000.

Sir Peter who celebrated his 97th birthday earlier this week (3 March) is also giving the royalties of the new version of his autobiography “Calling The Horses” to animal welfare charities, including the Brooke.

“Having retired in my 80th year I took the opportunity to set up the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust,” he writes in the book.

“I had in mind a sextet of beneficiaries, two of which (the Brooke Hospital for Animals and World Horse Welfare) I have supported throughout my long working life.”

The Brooke now works in 11 different countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Petra Ingram, chief executive for the Brooke said: “We are so grateful to have Sir Peter as our patron. His passion for horses shines through in all that he does, and we’d also like to thank the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, which has been very generous to us over the years.”

For more information visit: www.thebrooke.org

Newmarket Heath ride raises record amount

Organisers have announced that last year’s Macmillan Newmarket Heath Ride raised a record £30,000 through entries and sponsorship.

The ride was held on 31 August 2014 by kind permission of The Jockey Club.

It is the one day in the year that Newmarket Heath is open to any horse and rider, rather than exclusively racehorses.

The ride starts at the July racecourse, winds its way around part of the Town Plate course on the National Stud, before heading across the grass gallops to the town centre taking in Warren Hill, the Limekilns and the Al Bahathri all-weather gallop.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers who help us on the day and all the riders who took part,” said organiser Charlotte Collins.

This year’s ride is on 6 September, for more information visit: www.newmarketride.org.uk

Auction raises funds for cancer charities

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society has donated the proceeds from the 2014 president’s auction to the British Heart Foundation Cymru and Cancer Research UK.

Edwin Prosser, WPCS president from 2013-2014, nominated the charities to share the funds raised.

The auction held after at the dinner dance in Cardiff last April raised £4,100.

“It was a privilege to accept the fantastic donation of £2,050 from the WPCS. My thanks to all who worked hard and contributed to raise money to such a worthy cause,” said Neris Lloyd, chairman of the Abereraron fundraising branch of Cancer Research UK.

Past president Mr Prosser said he had chosen the two charities due to the number of people, including himself and family members, whose lives have been affected by heart disease or cancer.

He presented the monies on 25 February at the WPCS headquarters in Bronaeron, West Wales.

Founded in 1901 the WPCS is the largest of Britain’s native breed societies.

For more information visit: www.wpcs.uk.com

Entries open for Burghley sponsored ride

Entries are now open for the SEIB Burghley sponsored ride on 6 September.

The 12km ride, run for the 14th time this year, has raised more than £180,000 for charity since it started

Riders explore the tracks and paths on the Burghley estate.

Numbers for the non-jumping ride vary from 300-500 each year.

A minimum donation of £33 per rider must be sent in with the application form. All of the money raised goes to charity.

Entries close on 28 August and there are no entries on the day.

For more details visit: www.icommentate.co.uk/burghley

Charity walk around Britain’s racecourses

Richard Farquhar sets off on 20 March on his 2,800-mile walk around the racecourses of mainland Britain — a feat never before attempted.

The 52-year-old father of four hopes to raise £1.4m to be shared between Racing Welfare and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

He begins his journey at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse and his first stop will be Towcester racecourse on 23 March.

Over the next 13 months he will be connecting all 60 racecourses across Britain from Newton Abbot in the south to Perth in the north, from Yarmouth in the east to Ffos Las in the west.

Richard is coinciding his arrival at each racecourse with a fixture, and after the racing he will walk a leg of the track itself accompanied by trainers, jockeys and others supporters.

The Walking The Courses finishes at the Craven Meeting in Newmarket in April 2016, a meeting that Richard attended for 26 years with his father, Peter to whom the walk is dedicated.

Richard’s father died in 2012 from pancreatic cancer, and the trainers John Hills and Dessie Hughes and bloodstock agent John Woodman were lost to the same disease last year.

“The funds raised by this remarkable challenge will allow us to offer support to even more of the individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of the racing industry,” said Joey Newton, chairman of Racing Welfare.

To donate go to: www.virginmoneygiving.com/walkingthecourses

For more information visit: www.walkingthecourses.com

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Well it has been a busy few weeks here on the yard and I am still riding out for my brother, Harry, the National Hunt trainer too. I am very glad it is staying lighter for longer in the evenings so that I can fit everything in.

The countdown to the Cheltenham Festival is well and truly underway. There is a lot of excitement and a real buzz about the yard as we hope to be sending a good strong team to the Festival.

Before that and while I still have a few weeks until my event season starts, I am whizzing off on a quick holiday to Norway for some skiing — lucky me!

My family have skied in Norway since we were tiny and it is such a beautiful place. We will do a mixture of downhill and langlauf (cross-country), which is fantastic for fitness.

New arrivals

Over the last couple of weeks there has been lots going on. I have been out to Ireland for a couple of day’s horse shopping with Carolyne Ryan Bell and a friend and we had a great time.

We definitely saw as many horses as we possibly could in the two days and were still trying them at 7pm in the dark! I hopefully have an imminent new arrival so watch this space.

I also haven’t introduced another new equine member to the team, rising 5-year-old Effie. She is a lovely grey mare by Emperor Augustus (TB) and owned by Nick and Gill Engert. She came to me in the New Year having only been broken so we have been starting her education. She is proving really willing and looks an exciting mare for the future.

We have been out showjumping at West Wilts and Summerhouse; dressaging at West Wilts and cross-country schooling at Pontispool on their fantastic all-weather cross-country arena.

In addition there have been jumping lessons with Emma Fisher and dressage lessons with Hannah Biggs so it’s full steam ahead for the season. All the horses are feeling fantastic. The first entries for Aldon have been made and I cannot wait for the season to get started.

Walking the courses

I must bring your attention to an incredible upcoming charity venture: Walking The Courses. A great university friend of mine’s father, Richard Farquhar is walking between the 60 British racecourses over a 13-month period — starting next month and covering approximately 2,750 miles — in aid of two extremely worthy charities, Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare.

It is quite a daunting task and I will definitely be joining in for a couple of legs of the south west racecourses. Please take a look at their website to find out more www.walkingthecourses.com and I encourage you to support them and help them reach their incredible target amount of £1.4 million.

Rosie

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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.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

What better way to get yourself in the festive spirit than by joining in with a Christmas carol, scoffing a mince pie and sipping some mulled wine — all in aid of an equestrian charity?

Christmas carol services and other festivities

1. HorseWorld

When? Sunday 7 December, 11am-2pm

Where? Keynes Farm, Whitchurch, Bristol

What’s happening? Visit the charity’s rehabilitation centre to meet its residents, leave a present or make a “Christmas wish” on behalf of your favourite animal. Hot food and drink will be available, including roast chestnuts and mulled wine.

Cost? Free entry

Find out more: www.horseworld.org.uk

2. World Horse Welfare

When? Monday 8 December, 7pm

Where? Snetterton, Norfolk

What’s happening? World Horse Welfare will be ringing in the festive season at their annual candlelit carol service in All Saints Church, Snetterton, with a selection of carols accompanied by the Bury Friendly Orchestra and Attleborough Junior School choir. The charity’s donkeys will join the festivities in the church and there will be mulled wine and mince pies afterwards, together with a special visitor for the children.

Find out more: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

3. Racing Welfare

When? Wednesday 10 December, doors open at 7.15pm

Where? Tattersalls, Newmarket, Suffolk

What’s happening? An evening of festive cheer and carol singing featuring the Fairstead House School Choir.

Cost: Tickets are £12 for adults and £3 for children under the age of 12. The adult ticket price includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival. Child ticket prices include a gift from Father Christmas.

Find out more: www.racingwelfare.co.uk

4. The Donkey Sanctuary

When? Friday 12 December, 3.30pm

Where? Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon

What’s happening? A candlelit carol service. Staff will begin to light the thousands of candles around the sanctuary from 3:30 pm with the 45 minute Christmas carol service starting at 5pm in the main barn opposite the visitors’ centre. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served before and after the service.

Cost? Free entry

Find out more: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Do you know an equestrian charity that is running a festive event this year? Get in touch…

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Racing fans and welfare charities have criticised the actions of the Daily Mirror after the paper published photos on its front page of a racehorse being put down (20 September).

The piece, headlined “Shot in the head… a tragic end for a £1.3m champion”, was accompanied by graphic images after Wigmore Hall broke a leg at Doncaster (13 September).

The photographs were supplied to the paper by campaign group Animal Aid.

BHA seeks meeting

Robin Mounsey of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said the organisation was “appalled” and that it was seeking a meeting with the paper’s editor, who has so far defended the decision to print.

“All that the images show is a vet doing his job and carrying out an act of humanity to prevent an animal from suffering,” said Mr Mounsey.

“They show the same actions whether the incident was occurring on a racecourse or at home in a field.

“Animal Aid is not a welfare organisation, nor is it a charity. It campaigns for the banning of horseracing, despite the disastrous effect that this would have on the thoroughbred horse as a breed, and on the rural economy.”

The organisation added that over the past 15 years, the equine fatality rate has fallen by one-third, to just over 0.2% of runners.

Welfare groups react

The piece shocked welfare charities too.

The RPSCA’s David Muir told The Guardian he could not see that the racecourse or the vet had done anything wrong.

And Roly Owers from World Horse Welfare said the pictures were “deeply shocking”.

“Sadly many major injuries, such as Wigmore Hall’s, cannot be successfully treated, in part because of the sheer weight of a horse. Immediate on-course euthanasia, by a veterinary surgeon using a gun or by injection, is the kindest option.

“Promoting a discussion about horse welfare in sport is certainly a legitimate aim, but it is difficult to see how the publication of these photos could serve to achieve this.

“All the article appears to have done is to very publicly sensationalise a tragedy for a horse and those who cared about him, and to vilify a legitimate and humane method of euthanasia.”

However, he added that any racecourse fatality was “deeply regrettable” and should never be accepted simply as an inevitable side-effect of sport. Therefore, every effort should be made to learn from any death.

Upsetting to connections

Trainer Michael Bell said he found the decision to publish the photos “disgusting”.

“Many tears were shed afterwards. ‘Wiggie’ had been a favourite in the yard for six years — he never wanted for anything,” he said.

“I cannot overstate how upsetting the publication of these pictures is. Did those responsible for the decision take into consideration the feelings of those close to the horse before publishing?”

H&H readers took to the forum to express disgust for the piece.

“This shouldn’t be front page news,” wrote one.

Another added: “His connections shouldn’t have to have this on a tabloid front page — it is just incredibly insensitive.”

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 25 September 2014

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As part of Horse & Hound's 130th birthday celebrations, we will be supporting and promoting good causes via regular online round-ups of events being run by the equestrian community

Charity race to raise funds for Racing Welfare

Racing Welfare is holding a fundraising charity raceday at Newmarket on Saturday (16 August).

The day will include a charity race at 1pm, with nine riders lining up to compete in the third running of the race.

Riders include retired amateur jockey Paul Jarvis and trainer’s wife Belinda Keighley, who celebrates her 40th birthday on the day.

Last year’s charity race was won by Rachel Flynn riding First Class, trained by her husband, Newmarket based trainer Rae Guest.

Racing Welfare will be running a silent auction and raffle. The charity provides support for those in racing throughout their career and in retirement.

Click here for more information

Rural insurers cycle for charity

Cyclists for rural insurers NFU Mutual braved rain and gales to raise funds for Farm Africa last Sunday (10 August).

The seven NFU employees completed the 86-mile Ride London charity challenge in between four to six and a half hours.

The NFU team were among 24,000 amateur cyclists peddling through London and Surrey along the 2012 Olympic cycling route.

Donate here

£150,000 raised for air ambulances

A fundraiser at Cheltenham racecourse has raised £150,000 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance.

The event was organised by David Seel, 67, a senior figure in the insurance industry.

He suffered a burst vein last year and was only saved by the speed with which the air ambulance made it to his Warwickshire home.

Mr Seel organised the event at the Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening meeting on 30 April.

Among the guests was Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire, who was flown to hospital earlier this year after a near-fatal fall.

“It’s a great shame that it often takes incidents involving high-profile people to really hammer home the message about air ambulances being charity donation funded,” added Mr Seel.

Racecourse launches appeal for former staff member

Epsom Downs racecourse has set up an appeal in memory of former employee Caroline Beaumont, 35, who died from eye cancer in November.

Caroline was a familiar face in Epsom and in 2010 she won the Stanley Wootton award for her contribution to the Epsom Downs racing community.

The appeal, “Caroline’s Vision for Cancer,” aims to raise £100,000 to fund an innovative research project into why eye cancer is so resistant to chemotherapy.

A family fun day is being held on the August bank holiday (25 August) at Epsom racecourse to raise funds.

Click here to donate

Charity ride to remember World War One

Amateur historian Andy Smerdon sets off tomorrow (Thursday 14 August) on a 125-mile fundraising ride from Dover to Belgium.

He is riding with nine others to commemorate World War One (WW1) and raise money for the Blue Cross and Royal British Legion.

Wearing period WW1 uniforms the riders will proceed along the western front, ending at the river Somme in northern France.

“Horses played such a vital role during WW1 and we really want this trip to highlight the animals who lost their lives, and well as recognise the men who fought alongside them,” said Mr Smerdon, 46, from Chelmsford in Essex.

The Blue Cross treated over 50,000 sick and injured horses during WW1

“It’s wonderful that Andy and the team – including the horses – will be making such an epic trip to remember the important role animals played in the war,” said Steven Broomfield, manager at Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital.

The charity was founded in 1897 to care for working horses on the streets of London.

For more information visit the Facebook page or the JustGiving page

Rider spends 24hr in the saddle for BHS

Hannah Marsh, regional development officer in the south for the British Horse Society, spent 24hr in the saddle last week (Wednesday 6 August) to raise money for the charity.

The “24hr Challenge Ride” took place at Quob Stables near Southampton started with a hack and moved onto riding a variety of horses and trying horse ball and mounted games. She rode through the night in an indoor school.

“Britain is in the grip of a huge equine welfare crisis, with decades of indiscriminate breeding meaning supply is outweighing demand and the value of horses is declining.

“Many of the welfare cases our officers see aren’t caused by wilful abuse, but are neglected through ignorance and a lack of understanding of their basic needs.Our new appeal aims to tackle equine welfare head on,” she said.

Donate to the 24hr Challenge Ride here

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Rules regarding steroid use in racehorses in Britain are to be bolstered with the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced.

Under new rules to be introduced on 1 January 2015, a racehorse “must not be administered an anabolic steroid at any time, with no exceptions”.

Bans have also been substantially increased. Horses that test positive for anabolic steroids will be stood down from racing for 14 months — up from the current six months.

The move follows two high-profile steroid cases that rocked British racing last year.

In April, Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was banned for eight years for giving anabolic steroids to 22 horses in his care.

Then, in December, Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler was warned off for five years after nine of his horses tested positive.

The BHA said the zero tolerance policy, which was announced last month (26 June), was designed to “ensure a level playing field in Britain” and was a “further step toward international harmonisation”.

The BHA’s Paul Bittar said: “After a challenging 16 months, as a result of the actions taken already by several nations, the sport globally is now in a much better place when it comes to the regulation of anabolic steroids.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (10 July, 2014)

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Horse charities are set to benefit from this year’s Virgin London Marathon (13 April), with several runners representing them.

7 hunt supporters have swapped their long boots for trainers in support of The Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF), ranging from a schoolgirl to a duo from the Portman hunt.

Countryside Alliance executive chairman Barney White-Spunner said: “Our team comes from a variety of backgrounds, but they are united in their love of the countryside and passion for hunting.

56-year-old Sharon Baldwin — secretary to national hunt trainer Fergal O’Brien — is running in her first marathon and hopes to finish in less than 3hr45min. She has ridden in point-to-points and has completed several half-marathons.

“The countryside is, and always has been, very close to my heart,” said Sharon.

Portman joint-master Charlie Gundry and kennel-huntsman Thomas Baker are also both running in their first marathons, although former serviceman Thomas is expecting to make a decent time of less than 3hr30min. They are hoping to raise £10,000 for TCAF.

World Horse Welfare’s deputy chief executive Tony Tyler and international programme officer Alana Chapman will represent their charity (pictured).

This will be Tony’s 5^th “and final” London marathon, while it is Alana’s first attempt.

“Alana made the mistake of telling me she was keen to do one too,” said Tony. “We’ve set a target of £2,000 between us, and also have 5 runners through World Horse Welfare places as well as others in the ballot fund-raising for the charity.”

The Animal Health Trust is also represented, with 3 runners for the charity. 2 ladies — Julia Baldwin and Helen Cain — have been putting on Parelli lectures around East Anglia as part of their fund-raising efforts. They have so far totted up more than £7,000.

And 8 top names from racing are raising money for Racing Welfare, including Classic-winning trainers Andrew Balding and Richard Hannon.

Qatar Racing’s Sheikh Fahad Al Thani has set up the team, and will run himself, joined by his racing and bloodstock manager David Redvers, who is also master of the Ledbury. Qatar Racing trainers Robert Cowell, Charlie Hills, David Simmock and Olly Stevens complete the team.

“The idea to field a team in the marathon raising money for Racing Welfare was entirely Sheikh Fahad’s,” said Mr Redvers. “Although I have to admit I was not 100% convinced at the outset that he was serious about running himself.”

And equestrian figure of a different kind will be lining up at the start — a fibreglass horse. “Colin the horse” will be carried the 26.2 miles by 4 runners on behalf of the Chichester Poppy Appeal.

The horse has already raised nearly £40,000 for numerous charities since 2006.

The quartet expects to take 7hrs to complete the race.

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Former top jockeys Michael Hills and Mick Fitzgerald have both joined the board of directors of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA).

Mick Fitzgerald – who is part of the Channel 4 Racing broadcasting team – rode more than 1,300 winners. These include 14 at the Cheltenham Festival and the 1996 Grand National on Rough Quest.

Mick’s career came to premature end when, in the 2008 Grand National, he suffered a serious injury to his spine and retired at the age of 38.

The Grand National-winning jockey said: “It is an honour to be asked to sit on the board of the PJA. I hope to put my 20 years of experience in the saddle as well as my media work to good use. The PJA has an important role to play in the future of its members.”

Flat jockey Michael Hills’ career spanned across 4 decades, during which time he rode more than 2,000 winners. Michael hung up his riding boots last year having ridden Group winners in Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Hong Kong and the UAE.

Michael said: “The PJA does exceptionally valuable work on behalf of jockeys. I hope my 30 years’ race riding experience will prove helpful as we continue to strive to improve the standing and the well-being of the Association’s members.”

The PJA was created to represent the interests of professional jockeys both on and off the racecourse.

The chairman of the PJA, Nigel Payne, said: “We have a well-balanced and extremely active board of directors. We are very happy that two such distinguished retired jockeys as Mick Fitzgerald and Michael Hills have agreed to join the board. Their wisdom and experience will prove invaluable.”

Actors, a politician and members of the racing community will be donning silks next month for the first charity race at Newmarket’s July Course, in aid of Racing Welfare and The Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund (HCOCF).

Amongst the twelve amateur riders taking part in “The Blue Square Charity Cavalry Charge” on 18 August is the Merlin and Inspector Lynley actor Nathaniel Parker.

“‘Poor horse’ seems to be the expression in most people’s eyes as I tell them I am riding in a race,” said Nathaniel, who has been riding out for trainer Kim Bailey in preparation.

“There was no way I could miss out on the opportunity to ride at Newmarket, the HQ of thoroughbred racing.

“As a patron of Racing Welfare I hope to raise awareness of the work done by this charity.”

Each jockey must raise a minimum of £5,000 for the race, which will be the largest fundraising element of the “Horsemen and Heroes Day“.

Racing Welfare’s Richard Negus said: “We are delighted that Newmarket Racecourse chose to support us and the HCOCF.

“The race will be a huge amount of fun for the racegoers, but no small challenge for the riders. Our intrepid amateurs are really putting themselves through it to raise some serious money.”

Racing Welfare is the sole provider of support to UK racing and stud staff.

And the HCOCF aims to provide financial and emotional support to injured Household Cavalry soldiers and their families,including those who have lost their lives in service.

Jockeys riding are:

Nathaniel Parker

Malcolm Tomlinson

Matthew Hancock MP

Niall Hannity

Marianne Dacombe

Annalea Parker

Kim Pullon

Harriet Bond

Maurice McCarthy

Hayley O’Connor

Ken Clutterbuck

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Paralysed former stable lad, Paul “Barney” Bamford, has completed a 110-mile journey to raise money for Racing Welfare.

Barney set off from Redcar racecourse on 14 May on his specialist handcycle and arrived to a hero’s welcome at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday, 19 May.

The 41-year-old was working for trainer Les Eyre in 2006 when he had a fall while riding out.

He is now paralysed from the chest down but decided to set off on his ride -“Barney’s Challenge” – to raise £100,000 for the charity, which he credits with saving his life.

Racing Welfare funded his airlift to the spinal injuries unit at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield immediately after his accident.

And it has since helped him with specialist housing, wheelchairs, standing frames and retraining courses.

Barney’s journey, in his specially adapted arm-powered tricycle, equates to five marathons in six days.

Richard Negus of Racing Welfare, who followed Barney at five mph in a horsebox for the entire ride, said: “Barney is amazing and over the past few days I’ve really got to know him better.

“Life is a real challenge for him but he smiles it off – I feel a lot better for knowing him.”

And Barney, whose mantra for the past six days has been “no pain, no gain”, added: “I am very grateful to everyone who has donated.”

• So far Barney has raised £68,568.30 of his £100k target. To donate, visit www.JustGiving.com/BarneysChallenge or http://www.racingwelfare.co.uk/

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Leading Newmarket’s racing names have signed up to present a Royal Ascot Preview Evening this weekend in aid of Racing Welfare.

The event will be held on Sunday 12 June at Swynford Paddocks Hotel near Newmarket.

The host for the evening is trainer William Haggas, with the panel comprising of trainer Luca Cumani, John Gosden’s stable jockey William Buick, Channel 4 Racing presenter Emma Spencer, Godolphin’s Simon Crisford, British Horseracing Authority senior handicapper Phil Smith and Star Sports’ Luke Tarr.

The event, which is sponsored by Star Sports, is being run in aid of Racing Welfare, the Jockey Club’s own charity.

Racing Welfare’s Richard Negus said: “We were honoured and delighted when asked to become the recipient charity for this event. We are extremely grateful to Luke Tarr and his team for recruiting a stellar line up who have all so kindly given their time for free.”

A donation is also being made to Save Historic Newmarket Action Group, which hopes to protect and preserve the headquarters of British horse racing.

Luke Tarr added: “The panel are just about as good as you can get, the location is superb and the causes that the evening is raising money for should be supported by everyone who calls themselves a racing fan.”

The Preview starts at 6pm and will also feature a raffle and auction.

Tickets cost £10 in advance or £15 on the night with Star Sports clients gaining free entry.

To book tickets tel: 01638 570234

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Racing Welfare’s 24-hour helpline for people in the racing industry has been named the New Helpline of the Year at an awards ceremony in London.

The charity was recognised at their British Telecom sponsored Helplines Association Awards at the BT Tower on Monday (8 February).

Racing Welfare helps and supports people who work, or have worked, in the racing industry in Britain.

Nic Coward, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, commented: “This award is thoroughly deserved recognition for the team at Racing Welfare and testament to how British racing is working together to provide the support and assistance that those in the sport deserve and need. They should be very proud of this achievement.”

The helpline, which was set up in December 2008, is manned by nine welfare officers and has provided support for more than 200 callers.

Racing Welfare’s head of welfare, Terri Griffiths said: “Working with race horses is a 24/7 job, therefore it is only right that we, as the industry’s people charity, are here for them 365 days a year too.

“I know we’ve made a huge impact on the communities we serve, but due to the confidential nature of our work, the vital service we provide is frequently below the radar for many racing industry people. To be acknowledged in this way is fantastic for the welfare team and the charity as a whole. We are truly delighted.”

The helpline mainly helps individuals but was instrumental in enabling the charity to provide immediate practical support to those affected by the fire in Malton, North Yorkshire, last September, in which apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson died.

“We receive calls that may affect groups of people such as the tragedy in Malton, but most of our calls provide support to individuals, including potential suicides and self harm incidents,” added Terri.

“One instance that springs to mind is of a series of calls we received late at night from a retired, widower stable lad; he felt scared, lonely and isolated. We provided a friendly, supportive, non-judgmental voice on the other end of a telephone line; just talking through his fears till dawn made all of the difference to him.”

Racing Welfare 24/7 can be reached on free on tel: 0800 6300443

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A 24-hour “Samaritans-style” helpline has been launched for the racing industry.

Racing Welfare introduced the helpline — 0800 6300 443 — today. It is designed as a support for anyone working in or retired from the horseracing and thoroughbred breeding industry.

“It’s for anyone in the racing industry who feels the need to speak to someone — whether they feel down, or whatever the reason,” said Racing Welfare spokesman Francoise Guillambert.

Callers to the helpline can receive confidential, impartial advice and guidance from trained welfare officers.

Ms Guillambert added: “During the day, Racing Welfare takes calls on any number of issues and they are passed on to the appropriate person [who can help]. This is an extension of that — a 24-hour service.”

The helpline has been launched with the help of the British Horseracing Authority and the Injured Jockey’s Fund.

The number is free to call at any time — 0800 6300 443.

For more information on Racing Welfare, visit www.racingwelfare.co.uk

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An all female group of 11 intrepid trekkers returned as African Queens after an intense five days and six nights in the Kenyan wilderness in aid of the Racing Welfare charity in September.

The group travelled more than 100 miles on horseback on their safari, camping along the way in basic tents amongst the most dangerous game in Africa.

They came face to face with a number of challenges including one enormous bull elephant that literally stopped them in their tracks as he appeared before them threatening to charge.

They also galloped alongside a herd of zebra and gazelle as well as spotting buffalo, rhino, giraffe and ostriches and spending one night surrounded by inquisitive and very noisy baboons. The group collected sponsorship for Racing Welfare, the Charity that supports the unsung workforce that from the backbone of the horseracing industry and hope to raise between £5,000 and £10,000.

“It was a fabulous opportunity for us to experience the true Kenyan way of life as we made our way through small remote villages and farms sleeping amongst the animals under the stars,” said Karen Parris, head girl to Newmarket trainer Willie Jarvis.

The group was made up of:

• Jo Ewell, based on The Isle of Wight rehabilitating ex National Hunt horses from trainer David Gandolfo,
• Caroline Goatley, former lass for trainer Brian Stewart-Brown now working for Newbury veterinary practice O’Gorman, Slater and Main
• Alex Grant, student studying equine sports performance at Plumpton College, also works for a show jumping yard
• Lynn Grist, formerly head girl for a private hunter yard
• Wendy Guillambert, Newmarket-based mother of jockey JP Guillambert and Francoise
• Francoise Guillambert, fundraising executive for Racing Welfare and amateur jockey
• Liz Heggs, Hampshire based rider
• Laura Maclucas, former lass for trained Pat Murphy now a police constable
• Karen Parris, former point to point rider now head girl for trainer Willie Jarvis
• Sarah Richmond, Newmarket based accountant and part time rider for trainer Vince Smith
• Helen Underwood, Chichester based endurance and showing rider.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via the website at www.racingwelfare.co.uk or at www.justgiving.com/racingwelfare.

Alternatively, donations can be made by calling Claudia (tel: 01638 565241).

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The great racehorse Ouija Board is the latest inspiration for a unique collection of Sarah Fabergé eggs.

The collection — of which only 50 will be made — has been launched to raise money for Racing Welfare, which gives assistance to staff who work or who have worked in the Thoroughbred industry.

Each egg contains a model “surprise”, and the first of the collection has a mini Ouija Board and carries the colours of her owner, Lord Derby.

Orders are being taken for other eggs in the collection — known as “The Winner’s Egg” — which can be modelled on different horses and owners’ colours. Each one costs £10,000, of which “a major percentage” will go to Racing Welfare.

The Fabergé family has been creating eggs since the 19th century, when the Imperial family of Russia gave them as Easter gifts. Sarah Fabergé is great-granddaughter of Carl Fabergé, jeweller to the family.

For details call Claudia Fisher at Racing Welfare (tel: 07900 432191).

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