Racing Welfare, a registered charity which supports the workforce of British horseracing, is to be the beneficiary of this year’s Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival, sponsored by Sky Bet.

Richard Hammill, Chief Operating Officer and Clerk of the Course at Pontefract Racecourse and member of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Marketing Committee said,

“We wanted to work with Racing Welfare because they are the dominant charity that looks after people who work in the racing industry.  We are particularly keen for them to focus on mental health and wellbeing as this is a very current and relevant subject and Racing Welfare have services to help people who might be suffering and, just as importantly teach people to look after their mental health, as they would their physical health.”

A representative from Racing Welfare will be at each of the Summer Festival race meetings, talking about the work that the charity does, who they can help and how.  There will also be an exit collection from some courses.

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare said,

“The Summer Festival is a superb initiative and we are delighted to be the beneficiary charity for this year.  Go Racing in Yorkshire does a fantastic job of promoting the rich offering of racing in the county and funds raised from our association will go towards extending the reach of our mental health support services.  We’re very proud to be involved with the Summer Festival this year and hope that many people will come racing over the nine days.”

As the charity of the week, Racing Welfare will also receive a £500 cheque, courtesy of the leading jockey of the festival which is sponsored by Sky Bet.

The Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival takes place from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 28, when there will 10 race meetings, over nine days at eight courses.  In addition, there will be an open afternoon at Jack Berry House on Tuesday, July 23.

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