Image: Newbury Racecourse Clerk of the Course, George Hill
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF RACING TOGETHER
Racing Together Community Week, British racing’s national week of employee volunteering, will take place from 18–24 May 2026, bringing together organisations from across the sport to support communities nationwide.
Last year saw a record 90+ racing organisations, including racecourses, trainers, owners and staff, take part in the initiative, delivering a wide range of volunteering activities that made a positive impact in local communities.
Now in its seventh year, Racing Together Community Week has more than doubled participation since 2020. The initiative celebrates the collective efforts of the British racing industry to support local causes through activities including school outreach programmes, charity partnerships, community clean-ups, food bank support and wellbeing sessions.
Watch the 2025 highlights video here: https://youtu.be/ZHJlKb86sYw
New optional theme to inspire participation
New for 2026 is an optional theme designed to inspire new volunteering ideas and align activity across the sport.
Racing Together is encouraging organisations to support work addressing loneliness in local communities. The charity is currently delivering a BHA pilot programme, funded by the Racing Foundation, at six racecourses exploring how racing can help tackle loneliness in the areas surrounding racecourses.
This work forms part of the sport’s social impact strategy, find out more here. Those interested in aligning their activity with this theme are encouraged to contact Racing Together to discuss ideas: [email protected]
Industry backing for Community Week
The development of Community Week was a key discussion point at the recent Racing Together Industry Day at Lingfield Park, where more than 100 industry professionals endorsed the value and impact of the initiative.
Workshop discussions focused on:
- Reducing barriers to participation
- Improving impact measurement
- Expanding communications reach
Celebrating racing’s year-round community impact
Following the launch of British racing’s social impact strategy, Community Week will also be used to highlight the year-round social impact work taking place across British racing, alongside the volunteering delivered during the week itself.
Organisations are encouraged to showcase initiatives that align with the sport’s Social Impact Strategy, particularly across the following themes:
- The Power of Opportunity – enhancing opportunities for young people to be part of horseracing
- The Power of the Racehorse – harnessing the racehorse’s role in helping young people fulfil their potential
- The Power of Racing – bringing people together to improve individual and community wellbeing
- The Power of Community – ensuring racing is a positive asset to local communities
Racing organisations are encouraged to highlight their work through websites, email communications and social media, as well as engaging local MPs and media.
Several racecourses will also support the initiative by naming races during the week and using racedays between 18–24 May to raise awareness of the sport’s community impact.
Industry pride in volunteering
John Blake, CEO of Racing Together, said:
“Racing Together Community Week has become a perfect example of the phrase ‘greater than the sum of its parts’. Participation has grown year-on-year, creating opportunities for teams and individuals across the sport to use their skills to support local communities and develop creative projects.
“The willingness shown by volunteers reflects the genuine pride people in racing take in making a difference beyond the sport itself. We are always delighted to see long-lasting charity partnerships and community initiatives that begin during Community Week.”
Organisations interested in taking part can register their interest or contact the Racing Together team directly.
Notes to editors:
1. For more information contact Lucy Gurney on [email protected] or 07387 260980.
2. Racing Together represents British racing’s community engagement activity and is an open partnership of charities and organisations working across the sport to benefit others. The initiative is led by the education charity Racing to School and guided by an industry subcommittee.
Racing Together’s vision is for British racing to be recognised as a ‘force for good’ in the communities where the sport operates. It supports this ambition by providing practical resources and guidance, encouraging collaboration and innovation, and delivering nationwide initiatives that showcase the sport’s positive impact.
Key programmes include Racing Together Community Week and Racing Together Industry Day, alongside the ongoing promotion and sharing of best practice in community engagement across British racing.
Racing Together is grateful to the Horserace Betting Levy Board for its annual funding support.
For more information visit www.racingtogether.co.uk
