British Racing launches in‐depth survey to inform new community strategy

05 Aug 2020 BHA Features Financial/Political

Sent on behalf of Racing Together
A survey has today been launched to create a source of information and inspiration for people in the industry, and to showcase the scale and value of racing’s contribution to wider society.

A Directory is being compiled, comprising the work that Racing people and organisations across Britain are doing in areas of education and community development.

A partnership of Racing Together, The Racing Foundation and Godolphin is co-ordinating the Directory, with the help and support of industry leaders.

The survey is available for all racing organisations and participants to complete, and in turn to benefit from; it can be found here.

This initiative is part of a new global approach from key racing jurisdictions to identify and support initiatives that can most benefit its communities and the sport itself.

Full information on the project can be found here.

Rob Hezel, CEO of The Racing Foundation commented:

“We are delighted that Racing’s leaders have recognised the importance of this topic when considering all of the challenges facing the sport at this time. We are glad to be working with Godolphin and Racing Together on the directory as the first step in driving co-ordination and alignment of the myriad of worthy activities undertaken each year. We hope that in the future this will enable the very best outcomes to be achieved for individuals, communities and the sport as a whole.”

Diana Cooper, Strategic Advisor – Charities for Godolphin added:

“We are pleased to support this critical effort to facilitate the production of a comprehensive overview of all the amazing work currently being undertaken across the Industry. The directory will be something we can all take pride in, learn from, share and use to educate and support our communities.”

John Blake, CEO of Racing to School and Racing Together said:

“What is exciting about this project is that so many different corners of the sport are getting involved and can see the benefit for racing and, more importantly, for the wide range of beneficiaries that their work is able to help –  locally and on a national scale.

“Add to this the similar commitment of many of Britain’s international partners to also share and improve their education and community programmes, and a powerful groundswell is now developing to the long term benefit of racing and the causes and people it supports.”
Notes to editors:

1. The survey can be accessed here. Full information, FAQs and privacy policy can be found here.

2. Racing Together is British racing’s community engagement activity and is a partnership of charities and organisations that work across the sport to benefit others. Racing Together is led by the education charity Racing to School.

  • Racing Together coordinates, supports, represents and measures British racing’s community engagement and CSR activity.
  • Racing Together’s vision is for British racing to be known as a ‘force for good’ by helping the communities in which the sport operates.
  • Racing Together achieves this by providing practical support and resources to the partnership; hosting an action group to facilitate ideas, collaboration and progress; working on specific nationwide initiatives; hosting inspiring masterclasses and coordinating Racing Together Community Day; while promoting and sharing best examples of community engagement on an ongoing basis.
  1. Godolphin is the global thoroughbred horseracing and breeding operation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.With its headquarters in Dubai, it is one of the world’s largest equine teams, operating in England, Ireland, France, Australia, Japan and the United States.Godolphin is committed to the lifetime care of its horses, including retraining and rehoming. It also supports various education programmes around the world, key industry awards and trains future equine leaders.3. The Racing Foundation was established in January 2012 by the British Horseracing Authority, the Horsemen’s Group and Racecourse Association, as a charity, to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within racing following the sale of the Tote. They are registered with the Charity Commission under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297). The Racing Foundation’s purpose is to make a difference in racing by acting as a catalyst and a funder of improvement.

    The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Ian Barlow (Chairman), Linda Bowles, Susannah Gill, Mark Johnston, Louise Kemble and William Rucker. Since inception, the Racing Foundation has granted over £20million to charities associated with the horseracing and Thoroughbred breeding industry in the UK, supporting work in social welfare, education and training, horse welfare, equine science research, and heritage and culture.

Website: www.racingfoundation.co.uk
Twitter:@RacingGrants