Royal Ascot 2025: A Showcase of Community and Social Impact

Royal Ascot 2025 is not only a global sporting occasion, but also a significant milestone in Ascot Racecourse’s growing programme of social impact and community engagement. Each year, the event provides a platform to highlight the racecourse’s commitment to supporting education, creativity, local charities, and equine welfare.

From creative workshops and bursaries to fundraising initiatives and local access schemes, the Royal Meeting continues to reflect Ascot’s ambition to use its influence for long-term, meaningful change.

Community Commitment Through Ascot Racecourse Supports

At the centre of this work is Ascot Racecourse Supports, the racecourse’s community and charity programme launched in 2017. With a focus on education, mental health, equine welfare and social inclusion, the initiative enables small local charities and community groups to deliver lasting impact.

Educating and Inspiring the Next Generation

Education is once again at the forefront of this year’s community programme. On the Thursday of Royal Ascot, 22 local schools -totalling 890 pupils, will attend the meeting. For many it will be their first time visiting the racecourse, with a dedicated viewing area, goodie bags, and the return of mascot Scotty helping to create a memorable day.

For the first year Racing to School will attend, to deliver hands-on activities through the use of equicisers and VR headsets to introduce students to the thrill of racing and its career opportunities.

Ascot’s annual art competition has also seen a record number of entries in 2025. Shortlisted pupils were celebrated at the Spring Family Raceday, with winners invited to the Victory Cup Raceday for a celebratory afternoon tea. Their winning artworks will be displayed in the Heath Tunnel throughout Royal Ascot, and the pupils will form a guard of honour for the jockeys on the final day.

Supporting Creative Skills and Sustainability

Ascot’s commitment to education extends to higher education and creative industries. Through its partnership with the British Fashion Council, the racecourse has introduced a £10,000 annual bursary supporting students from the King’s Foundation and CHANEL millinery programme. Final-year students will showcase their designs in the Queen Anne Enclosure, celebrating the tradition and future of millinery — a craft deeply associated with Royal Ascot.

Locally, a partnership with Busy Buttons CORE Charity has enabled students from 4 SEN schools to take part in a series of sustainable creative workshops. Students have collaborated to produce a large-scale sculpture called ‘Dream Horse,’ made entirely from upcycled materials. The sculpture will be displayed on the Concourse wall, highlighting Ascot’s ongoing commitment to community-led sustainability initiatives.

Supporting this focus on sustainability, the waste food distribution charity City Harvest will be in attendance on the Saturday for an activation and bucket collection, in the Net Zero Enclosure.

Fundraising in Action

Royal Ascot remains one of the sport’s most impactful fundraising events. In 2024, over £30,000 was raised via bucket collections, and 2025 sees the return of key beneficiaries including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Army Benevolent Fund, RAF Benevolent Fund, Quest RDA, and Thames Hospice.

The Britannia Stakes fundraising initiative also returns this year, with bookmakers pledging up to £200,000 in profits if the race does not return a profit, or more if it is profitable, to be split between a selection of nominated charities, including Prostate Cancer UK, Missing People, the SAS Regimental Association, Ascot Racecourse Supports, Racing to School, Greenhouse Sports and TempusNovo. The scheme showcases the power of betting industry-wide collaboration in support of good causes. Learn more about the Brittania Stakes fundraising initiative here.

Ascot also continues to offer 50% discounted tickets for NHS staff, Thames Valley Police, and fire and ambulance workers throughout the season, including during Royal Ascot.

To support preparations for Royal Ascot 2025, a trial lunch service will be held, which will see 270 staff members from 34 local community groups and charities come together on the Monday before Royal Ascot for a complimentary meal. The event recognises the contribution of local charities while allowing staff to prepare ahead of the busy week.

In support of equine welfare, Ascot has pledged to donate £5,000 to Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) for every Royal Ascot winner ridden by ambassador Ryan Moore. This ongoing commitment ensures horses have fulfilling second careers beyond the track.

Ascot’s Lasting Impact
The aforementioned activity reflects the racecourse’s ongoing commitment to using its platform to drive positive social change. Through charitable partnerships, community outreach and purposeful fundraising, Ascot Racecourse continues to embed the values of inclusion, education and social impact at the heart of the sport — both on and off the track.