Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited Plumpton Racecourse today for Jamie’s Farm Raceday, recognising the charity’s vital contribution to young people and rural communities.

Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited Plumpton Racecourse today for Jamie’s Farm Raceday, recognising the charity’s vital contribution to young people and rural communities.

Plumpton Racecourse was honoured to welcome Her Majesty to the fourth annual Jamie’s Farm Raceday, an event that has become a much-loved fixture in the Sussex racing calendar. Located just three miles from Jamie’s Farm Lewes, the racecourse provided a fitting local setting to celebrate the charity’s work transforming the lives of young people facing significant challenges.

Her Majesty, Patron of Jamie’s Farm since 2014, spent the afternoon meeting students, alumni, staff and supporters of the charity. Jamie’s Farm give young people at risk of exclusion the opportunity to thrive through purposeful work, therapeutic support and a renewed sense of belonging. Since its foundation in 2009, Jamie’s Farm has helped more than 18,000 young people re-engage with education and build brighter futures.

The Queen’s visit also marked a meaningful return to familiar surroundings. Having spent some of her childhood living in Plumpton, Her Majesty has maintained a close personal connection to the area having also visited Jamie’s Farm Lewes in 2019, just a mile from where she grew up.

Jamie’s Farm Raceday at Plumpton was first conceived and continues to be driven by legendary British horse racing journalist Brough Scott MBE, who lives in the local community. After visiting Jamie’s Farm Lewes in 2021, he was struck by the impact of its work and brought together a dedicated volunteer committee, united by a shared passion for racing and connecting young people with the countryside.

Plumpton Racecourse, nestled at the foot of the South Downs, provided an especially fitting setting for the day. A proud part of the local community since 1884, the racecourse is steeped in heritage and holds its own distinguished link to the Royal Family. In 1980, His Majesty The King (then The Prince of Wales) competed at Plumpton in a charity flat race supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund. Riding Long Wharf, His Royal Highness placed second in a spirited finish behind television presenter Derek Thompson on Classified, in what remains one of the most memorable fundraising events in the racecourse’s history.

Today’s raceday continued that legacy of philanthropy and engagement. Her Majesty warmly greeted organisers and guests, and alongside her engagement with Jamie’s Farm also met with the Head of Plumpton College, for which she also serves as Patron, before presenting prizes to the winning connections of the third race, with crowds offering an enthusiastic welcome.

Jamie Feilden, Co-Founder of Jamie’s Farm, said:

“Brough’s remarkable passion since first visiting Jamie’s Farm Lewes, together with the support of his friends, has helped our Plumpton Raceday raise vital funds over the past three years. This year is especially exciting as we welcomed our Patron, HM The Queen, fulfilling a long-held wish of Brough and the committee.”

Guy Chadwell, Chief Executive of Plumpton Racecourse, said:

“We are deeply honoured to have hosted Her Majesty The Queen for what has been a very special day. Jamie’s Farm carries out transformative work for young people nationwide and we are proud to stand alongside them. The Queen’s presence has made this an unforgettable occasion for everyone involved.”

The afternoon concluded with a shared recognition of Jamie’s Farm’s ongoing mission and the hope that the funds raised will continue to create life-changing opportunities for young people across the country.

Photos credit: mccrickardphotography