Families bask in the sun at Goodwood as NSPCC raise £50,000
Goodwood’s Family Race Day proved popular once again as 9,597 racegoers enjoyed an afternoon in the sunshine on the South Downs.
The fixture was run in aid of the NSPCC, who raised just shy of £50,000 to support their work protecting children from abuse and neglect. Their fundraising included the sale of race sponsorship, an auction, children’s fun activities on the day and donations from racegoers.
On a day when the Gordon and Lennox Enclosures were merged, children and adults alike enjoyed a traditional funfair and an activity tent, where magician Nick Stein wowed his audiences with an incredible range of tricks. A mini carousel on the East Parade Lawn proved a hugely popular addition to the day and three trips to the race start were each fully subscribed.
Former Clerk of the Course Seamus Buckley was on hand to provide mini course walks, while Goodwood ambassador Hollie Doyle and fellow jockey Megan Nichols gave fascinating insights into their careers. Ex-racehorse Gigawatt was the centre of attention, having been brought along by the excellent team behind the Retraining of Racehorses organisation. After two pony races, farrier Peter Fenton gave an intriguing talk about how horses are shod for racing.
On the track, Oeil de Tigre put in a superb effort to win the five-furlong handicap under Sophie Ralston. It was the pair’s third win at Goodwood this season, the second of which coming less than two days prior on the Friday evening. Another to continue course form was Sir Titan, who won the opening seven-furlong handicap for jockey Hayley Turner, having won over the same distance last month.
Rupa-Dey Amin, NSPCC Head of Community Fundraising for the London and South East, said; “We are thrilled with the amount of support and money raised at the Goodwood Family Race Day, which will go a long way helping the most vulnerable children in the UK. I would like to thank the Goodwood organisers, all our sponsors, guests and members of the public who have kindly supported the NSPCC during this event.”
Mike McGrath, NSPCC Head of Partnerships, added: “The Goodwood Family Race Day was a fantastic day for all the family. We’re delighted with the funds raised, which will help the NSPCC to continue its vital work keeping children safe from abuse. I would personally like to thank the Goodwood team, our sponsors Maywal Ltd, Sutton Winson and Hospital Innovations and Her Grace Susan, the Duchess of Richmond for their invaluable support.”
Goodwood now looks forward to its final Three Friday Nights fixture on 15 June, when American superstar DJ Steve Aoki will perform a set after racing has concluded.
ENDS
For press information, please contact;
Sam Hanson, Sport PR Executive
T: 01243 755 000
M: 07790 921 688
Goodwood Racecourse on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodwoodracecourse
Twitter: www.twitter.com/goodwood_races
Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodwood_races
