Wincanton Racecourse raises over £70,000 for Horatio’s Garden despite abandonment

Wincanton Racecourse’s Charity Raceday in support of Horatio’s Garden has raised more than £70,000 through a special fundraising lunch, silent auction and prize draw. Fundraising took place despite abandonment of the season opener charity raceday due to lack of rain against the forecast, which had given a yellow weather warning.

Despite the cancellation of racing, the event brought together guests and supporters to celebrate the partnership and raise vital funds for the national charity. The fundraising was supported by Boodles, who contributed an exclusive hospitality voucher, alongside race sponsors Brown Advisory and Singer Capital Markets, with additional backing from the Wincanton Racecourse team. The money raised will help Horatio’s Garden continue to create and nurture accessible, therapeutic gardens for people recovering from spinal injury.

Blaithin Murphy, General Manager Wincanton Racecourse said: “Despite Sunday’s abandonment, we were delighted to proceed with the Horatio’s Garden Charity Lunch in the Paddock Pavilion marquee, where guests were wonderfully entertained by Daryl Jacob, alongside live racing action from Aintree and Fontwell.

There were fantastic fundraising efforts throughout the afternoon, including the charity auction, Boodles Prize Draw, and a variety of fun games, together raising an impressive £70,000 for the charity.

This marks a fantastic start to Wincanton Racecourse’s partnership with Horatio’s Garden, which will continue throughout the season.”

The event followed the announcement in September of Horatio’s Garden as Wincanton’s official charity partner for the 2025/26 season. The partnership was launched with a memorable visit from former racehorse Frodon, the 2022 Badger Beer Chase winner, who met patients and staff at Salisbury District Hospital’s spinal centre — home to the charity’s first garden.

Among those to have benefitted from the charity’s work is Sandra, a riding instructor and British Dressage Judge who sustained a spinal injury earlier this year and spent time at the Salisbury Spinal Centre. She said: “It’s a massive grieving process losing the person that you were and trying to find a new one. This garden has meant the world to me.”

As Wincanton’s Charity Partner of the Season, the collaboration will continue to raise awareness and funds for Horatio’s Garden throughout the year, supporting the charity’s mission to provide restorative spaces that promote rehabilitation, connection and wellbeing across the UK.

To learn more about the partnership, visit Wincanton racecourse