One ride, 60 racecourses: Tom Dunlop takes to the cycling saddle in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund and Diverse Abilities

I’m Tom Dunlop and some of you may recognise my surname, as my grandfather was Champion Trainer John Dunlop, while my uncle Ed Dunlop trains in Newmarket. My father, Harry also followed suit and trained in Lambourn.

In July 2024, I took on the challenge of cycling to all 60 British racecourses in one continuous journey – raising funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Diverse Abilities (a Dorset-based disability charity supporting children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities).

Seeking a meaningful challenge

I wanted to use my gap year before starting university to do something meaningful that involved charity work.

The idea first came after visiting Cartmel for the first time in May 2024. I thought it would be great to see more racecourses I’d never been to – and from there the plan spiralled into a challenge on a much bigger scale. Little did I know how much planning would go into making this happen!

I chose to support the IJF for a couple of reasons. My younger brother William is an amateur jockey, and I’ve seen the support he has received. I was also struck by the way they supported Graham Lee after his fall at Newcastle.

My other chosen charity is one very close to my heart. My godmother’s son Ollie, who is 23, has Angelman’s Syndrome, a genetic disability. He regularly attends one of Diverse Abilities’ hubs – a safe place for disabled people to visit, use sensory rooms, learn skills, play and spend time with their families without judgement. The charity is now hoping to build a hydrotherapy pool, which will make a huge difference.

Rob Hornby (left), Tom Marquand (right), and Nicky Henderson (centre), welcome Tom Dunlop to Newbury Racecourse.

A logistical challenge

Once I’d decided on a bike challenge, I didn’t really know what to expect as I set out to visit all of GB’s racecourses. My biggest concerns were whether I’d be fit enough and how difficult I would find self-navigation. Each route was plotted using a Garmin, which calculated distances, hills and kept me off major A-roads and motorways. Every evening I’d upload the next day’s route, checking food and drink stops as well as any traffic issues. This took more time – and mental energy – than I expected after cycling long days.

I am naturally fit and trained around 600 miles over two weeks on a borrowed road bike. I’ve always cycled but not normally more than 20 miles in a day. Many people were amazed that I did it in trainers and not cleats, as these increase your power output by up to 30%. I am dyspraxic and hadn’t trained in cleats so didn’t need the additional pressure when in towns at junctions of risking falling off if I couldn’t get the cleats undone in time.

Avoiding injuries and saddle sores in the first week was another concern, but with padded shorts and the right treatment I managed to keep going.

Highs and lows

We were lucky to meet so many IJF volunteers and beneficiaries along the way, which kept me motivated even when conditions were tough. Their stories were humbling, and I hope my challenge will make a difference to their lives.

One of the toughest moments came cycling from Fakenham to Leicester during Storm Florin. The relentless winds across the Fens became overwhelming, and I stopped, ready to give up. My mum suggested I take ten minutes in the support van and distract myself on my phone. At that moment, I saw a large donation had come through – it gave me the lift I needed to get back on my bike and finish the stage.

Another challenge came on the way to Chepstow, when both pedals on my bike broke in Newport. It was 28 degrees, and I still had 17 miles to go and the signal on the phone/tracker had dropped out due to the Welsh valleys, meaning I couldn’t contact the support van. I had no choice but to grit my teeth and push on, including the steep climb into Chepstow. The huge crowd that greeted me made me forget the pain and it was the perfect way to end the day.

Racecourse support

Visiting all 60 racecourses, including both in Newmarket, was a privilege. So many went out of their way to show support – naming races after Tom’s Big Bike Ride, including adverts in racecards, inviting me for live interviews, and even offering food and drink to keep me going (with Cartmel’s famous Sticky Toffee Pudding a particular highlight).

Where we couldn’t stay with friends or family, we were hosted at the racecourses themselves – I now feel like an expert on most of the hotel rooms! What struck me most was how proud each team was of their racecourse, taking the time to show me their favourite parts of the course.

The conclusion of Tom’s Big Bike Ride challenge was marked at the Newbury Racecourse presentation.

Fundraising success

My target was £60,000 – £1,000 per racecourse. Some people thought it was ambitious, but I wanted to aim high. With the help of GiveWheel, Gift Aid and private donations, I’ll be handing over £67,000 to be split between the IJF and Diverse Abilities.

I’m so grateful to everyone who donated, as every single contribution makes a difference. Doing something you love is a great way to raise money, and I was fortunate to combine my passion for cycling with my love of racing.

If you have an idea, don’t wait – just do it!

Feature image credit: Steve Cargill / Racingfotos.com