The holiday, once again generously funded by Godolphin, was hosted at Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire and took place from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May. It brought together people who have spent years working at the heart of British racing. Some arrived carrying grief, loneliness, injury or the challenges that can come once a lifetime in racing comes to an end. Others simply missed the camaraderie and community the sport brings.

What united them all was racing.

For Shane, who spent his career riding out racehorses before managing a stud farm and now works with the Jockey Club estates, the holiday came after one of the most difficult periods of his life following the loss of his partner to cancer.

“Coming here with Racing Welfare has been fantastic,” he said. “Places like this mean so much to people from our industry, especially once retirement, injuries or difficult times come along. I’m so glad I came. I can’t thank Racing Welfare enough.”

Steve began his career in racing at just 15 years old with trainer Jack Berry and spent decades working across racing yards before injury and retirement took their toll.

“Racing Welfare has been fantastic for people like us who’ve spent our lives in racing,” he said. “Coming here has been brilliant. What Racing Welfare does for people in our industry is such a good thing.”

Throughout the week, friendships were formed over breakfast tables, stories were exchanged late into the evening, and people who had spent much of their lives caring for horses and others were given the opportunity to feel supported themselves.

One of the most emotional moments came on Tuesday, when Godolphin’s Lifetime Care Flagbearer Man of Promise arrived to meet guests.

Penny Taylor, UK Charities Manager at Godolphin, said: “Joining the Racing Welfare beneficiaries at Thoresby Hall has been such a privilege. To hear the stories of their time in racing and see them connecting with each other through the unique community that racing brings is so special. It was magical to bring Man of Promise to meet everyone on their first morning. The joy he brought to so many with his wonderful, intuitive manner was beautiful to witness and had both Geraldine and me in tears. Our thanks go to the team at Racing Welfare for all their hard work in delivering such a wonderful programme.”

The week also included a visit to York Racecourse, giving beneficiaries the chance to spend time back at a racecourse surrounded by the sport that shaped so much of their lives.

Lucy Miller, Director of Welfare at Racing Welfare, said: “It was incredibly special to spend time with so many wonderful people and to see first-hand the difference these holidays make. For many of our beneficiaries, it is more than a break; it is an opportunity to build friendships, create memories and feel part of a community.

“We had people from all over the country, bound by one thing: horse racing. Whether they travelled horses, worked on stud farms or rode out on yards, there was always a story to tell.

“These people have given so much to racing, and they thoroughly deserved the chance to have something given back to them.”

The holiday formed part of Racing Welfare’s year-round support for British horseracing’s workforce and took place during Mental Health Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of connection, conversation and community across the industry.

During the beneficiary holiday week, Racing Welfare’s Charity Golf Day, supported for the first time by headline sponsor Colliers, raised almost £53,000. The event welcomed some of racing’s best-known names, including ITV racing presenters Mick Fitzgerad and Rishi Persad, trainers Harry Derham, Warren Greatrex, and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Hollins. Every pound raised helps Racing Welfare continue supporting racing’s workforce, including retired beneficiaries, through both difficult times and everyday life.

To find out more or to refer someone who may benefit from Racing Welfare’s support, call the Racing Welfare Support Line free on 0800 6300 443 or visit Racing Welfare.