Betfred BTRC Race Day a Great Success

befunky-collageWith the aim of promoting the work of The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre (BTRC) during its 25th Anniversary year the charity enjoyed a successful day at Aintree Racecourse for the Betfred BTRC Day.

Thanks to the generosity of race goers, The BTRC raised more than £4,000 through the sale of the sweepstake tickets. Donations, sales of merchandise, wheel of fortune and a delicious lunch in the Sefton Room hosted by BTRC Chairman also raised money on the day.

The world’s biggest independent bookmaker, Betfred kindly offered the day to The BTRC to assist them with their on-going fundraising to build new stables at the centre in Lancashire. Caroline Davis, Betfred Sponsorship Executive said: “Betfred BTRC Day was a great success. We were delighted to collaborate with the BTRC on our race day and help raise awareness and money. Between our on-course competition for which every entry received we donated £1, combined with the Betfred Wheel Of Fortune we’re pleased to say we raised £500 for this fantastic charity.”

Said BTRC Chief Executive Gillian Carlisle: “We had a fantastic day at Aintree, it was a real celebration of retraining. It was great to talk to so many people about The BTRC and the work we do. It was definitely one of the high spots of the 25th Anniversary year.”

Held on Saturday, November 5, at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, the ‘Betfred BTRC Day’ provided a spectacular day out. To celebrate the BTRC’s 25th Anniversary, Betfred and Aintree spent the day promoting the fantastic work the charity undertakes retraining retired racehorses.

Racing expert and BTRC Chairman John Sexton and Gillian, were both interviewed in front of the crowds providing information about the charity and the work it does to help retrain and rehome racehorses for new careers after racing.

Between races spectators also had the chance to see The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre team in action in the parade ring. These horses have passed through the centre en route to full and useful lives in other equestrian disciplines from dressage to eventing or even as happy hackers.
Parade One included TRC loan horses; Defence of Realm, Finn Mac and Organisation along with competition winners Ernie Three Sixty and Dubai Tiger. Best Turned Out was selected by Caroline Davis of Betfred and the worthy winner was Helen Barski with Ernie Three Sixty.
Parade Two was a chance for BTRC to showcase some of their wonderful horses currently at the Centre; TRC Landescent, TRC Feathergrass and TRC Clockmaker made light work of a parade around the ring, with TRC Feathergrass even leading the Race 4 runners out onto the track.

Race goers also enjoyed meeting TRC ‘Bash On’ the retired racehorse on the stand allowing people to say hello and pat him.

Thanks to sponsorship from The Jockey Club on the BTRC Sweepstake  100% of the funds raised have gone towards helping their work at the Centre. The winners were:

1) David Canning, Bedfordshire – £1,000 (Temps Pour Tout)
2) Christine Brooks, Manchester – £500 (Mister Miyagi)
3) Lynette Hamilton, London – £250 (Vyta Du Roc)
4) Natalie Malone, Manchester – £125 (Zarkandar)
5) Clare Daresbury, Cheshire – £100 (Beast of Burden W/D)

Take a look at all the fantastic pictures here.