Posted on 26th May 2023
Falling on the 25th May this year, we were blessed with fantastic weather for the 5th Annual Racing Together Community Day, where employees in British Racing can volunteer their time to various areas of the industry.
With over 75 racing organisations giving back to their local communities through volunteering this year, we were fortunate enough to have a group from William Hill who travelled from a wide range of locations, including Newcastle, Thirsk, and Hull, for a second year. Last year they assisted us with cleaning the railings of the gallops, but this year they would be helping to remove the current railings from a portion of the gallops and replace them with brand new materials.
With a briefing and a thank you from our Chief Executive, Colonel Stephen Padgett, our volunteers Ally, Michael, Dave, Paul, Matt, Keith, Chris and Steve set out onto the gallops to start work on the rails, with the assistance of one of our maintenance team, John-Paul Atkinson.
“Without the help of these volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to remove and replace these rails, without stopping the riders from learning on the gallops. Their help is invaluable”. John-Paul Atkinson.
The gallops are a crucial facility for our learners to gain tuition on exercising racehorses out on the gallops, which are used 6 days a week during the 12-week Foundation course. As well as for many of our specialist courses, such as the jockey licensing and Pony Racing courses. They enable us to train new and existing members of the racing industry.
We recently received a grant from the Peter O Sullivan Trust, who work hard to support education, horse welfare and the racing industry, which has enabled us to be able to replace our old with new gallop railings.
When asked what this day means to them, one of our volunteers Paul said; ‘I wasn’t aware of the college until we came here for this day last year. This is a chance to be outside, and get hands-on to help out in racing, especially in a place that provides opportunities and careers for a wide range of learners.’
These Volunteers when contacted about the Community Day by GO Racing In Yorkshire, an initiative that promotes racing in our great county, all wanted to take part in the day and give back to the racing industry.
‘This is a great opportunity for team building, whilst contributing what you can to racing and the community.’ Steve, William Hill Volunteer.
What a fantastic day we had and we are so grateful to these individuals who give back to the industry and to the future members of the racing community.
