On Saturday 5th November BTRC held their 5th Annual ‘Charity Race Day’ at Aintree Racecourse. It was a beautiful, crisp November morning and the day was a great success.
Over 50 guests enjoyed a champagne reception courtesy of The Jockey Club followed by a delicious lunch in the exquisite 1750 Suite. Prior to the first race, guests donated £10 to enter a raffle to win a pair of tickets to the first day of the Grand National Festival (donated by the Jockey Club) or a tasty hamper donated by Howard & Jean Johns from Cartmel Village Shop. Our two winners were delighted, but the winner of the Grand National Tickets quickly found out she was unavailable that day so very kindly donated the tickets back to BTRC to raffle off in the upcoming charity auction!
It was now BTRC’s turn to give back to the supportive guests; Chairman John Sexton and Trustee Phillip Woodcock-Jones took to the role of tipsters and each announced their favourites on the upcoming races. John worked in the racing industry for many years and knows a thing or two about racing and Phil is a dedicated owner and also an author of a book about racehorse ownership so it was interesting to hear their thoughts – and gave the guests something to think about when having a bet!
Guests enjoyed watching the races from the private viewing terrace that overlooks the finish post. Although it was a beautiful sunny day, the position of the sun meant no jumping on the final straight so it was always a thrilling push to the finish, of which the guests were in the prime spot!
The guests generously took part in the charity auction which raised £1,940. The following prizes were donated:
Lot 1
Limited Edition ‘Legends of Horse Racing’ Royal Mail Stamps, framed &
signed by Champion Jockey, Sir AP McCoy OBE. Number 51 of 100.
Kindly Donated by Mr M Collins
Lot 2
“Friend or Foe? Thoroughbred Gothic (Edition 400) Framed painting by D.M Dent
The mighty Thoroughbred in all his glory, coming toward you. You are not sure if he is your friend… or your foe. The dark and the light of the Thoroughbred’s endearing spirit captured perfectly.
Kindly Donated by Mrs S Harbord
Lot 3
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast* at Castle Green Hotel in Cumbria
Four-star hotel situated in 14 acres of gardens & woodland in the beautiful market town of Kendal just 8 miles from the heart of the Lake District, Windermere.
Relax, unwind and enjoy a getaway for two! *Sunday evening booking.
Kindly Donated by Legacy Hotels
Lot 4
Two Manchester United Executive Club Tickets for any Available Game
The Captains Lounge gives not only a powerful sense of captaincy heritage, but an intense full matchday atmosphere and a first-class dining experience. Access to the lounge 3 hours before kick-off to enjoy a three-course meal and complimentary house bar including beer, wine and soft drinks.
Kindly Donated by Mr D Mills
Lot 5
Polo Experience for 4 People at JF Polo Academy
A purpose built, family run polo facility with over 50 years’ experience located in Cheshire. Enjoy a full day learning from professionals how to play polo whilst on board their horses, including a lunch at Chester Fields Restaurant and ending with a Chukka.
Kindly Donated by JF Polo Academy
Additional Lot
2x Tickets Grand National Festival 2024 – Thurs 11th April
As Lot 6 was very popular on the day, James Fielding of JF Polo Academy very kindly decided to offer the prize to TWO top bidders if they were both willing to donate the winning amount to BTRC. This incredible gesture raised an extra £650 for BTRC!!
Huge thanks must go to all who donated a prize for the auction.
Prior to the event, BTRC had been selling sweepstake tickets for the Grand Sefton Chase across different racecourses. At 1.15pm BTRC Chairman John Sexton made the draw in the room as the guests waited in anticipation to hopefully hear their name! After the draw, each ticket holder was called to let them know which horse they had been drawn on and to keep an eye on the upcoming race! Results are listed below of the winners:
| Horse | Ticket Name | Placing | Amount Won |
| Fantastic Lady | Chelsea Taylor | 5th | £100 |
| Minella Trump | Jane Howarth | Runner | £25 |
| Nassalam | Mike Nash | 4th | £125 |
| Born By The Sea | Rebecca Cregeen | Runner | £25 |
| Gesskille | Jason Whittle | 1st | £1,000 |
| Cooper’s Cross | Peter Williams | Runner | £25 |
| Frero Banbou | Phil Leak | 3rd | £250 |
| Ganapathi | Marie Twomey | Runner | £25 |
| Percussion | Trevor Longman | 2nd | £500 |
| Yccs Portocervo | Andrew Piner | 6th | £50 |
| Half Shot | Michael Ramsbottom | Runner | £25 |
Winner Jason Whittle said “Thank you so much, my lads Christmas pressies are sorted!’ Jason also kindly offered to donate a small portion of his winnings back to BTRC to support their work. Marie Twomey also gave all her winnings back as a donation to the charity.
Thank you to the Jockey Club for sponsoring the prize money for the sweepstake and to all who supported the sweep and bought tickets.
Overall the day raised £7,995, all of which will go towards the BTRC Vulnerable Horse Programme. Thank you to the guests for joining us and all who supported the day either by donating prizes or helping to sell sweepstake tickets.
If you are interested in joining BTRC for this event in 2024 please get in touch with lauren@thetrc.co.uk.
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