Racing to School joins industry stakeholders at British horseracing Parliamentary reception

Racing to School was delighted to showcase the charity’s work alongside other stakeholders at the British Horseracing Authority Parliamentary reception earlier this week. The event was held in the Terrace Pavilion at Westminster and was designed to champion the sport to key allies and decision-makers.

Sponsored by Laura Farris MP whose constituency includes Newbury Racecourse, Parliamentarians, senior Government figures, representatives of the Gambling Commission and a range of racing professionals circulated the “parade ring” of exhibitors to learn about the wider British racing ecosystem. A key objective was for guests to gain an understanding of how an enhanced Horseracing Betting Levy will be crucial to supporting British racing’s growth and sustainability.  

Attendees were given the latest Racing Together brochure that highlights the diversity and range of the sport’s community programmes; the more curious guests climbed aboard the Careers in Racing ‘equicizer’ to learn some jockey skills, and others immersed themselves in the experience of a virtual race.

“Both Racing to School and Racing Together receive crucial funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board with the commitment to increase the sport’s value and its footholds within its many communities,” said John Blake, Chief Executive of Racing to School.

“Ambitious plans to meet the growing demand for this work and to maximise its impact requires both financial surety and the understanding, goodwill and engagement from our elected representatives and other influential bodies. The Parliamentary event was very productive in forming some new connections and reinforcing others.”