Arc pledges support to communities surrounding six of its tracks

Arena Racing Company has pledged to support areas surrounding six of its tracks – Newcastle, Chepstow, Fontwell, Wolverhampton, Yarmouth and Doncaster – by supplying thousands of emergency essential supply boxes.

In an effort to provide relief to those facing difficult times as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the emergency boxes consisting of household essentials will be provided by Arc to local authorities to the surrounding areas of the six racetracks.

Distribution of these boxes will remain the responsibility of each local authority, all of which have established emergency food and provision delivery procedures in place, with the aim that over the coming weeks a total of 9,500 boxes will be delivered to those that need them.

Martin Cruddace, Arc's chief executive, said: “We know that our venues are often at the heart of their local communities. Equally, we know how difficult the current health crisis and lockdown has been for many people in those communities and hope that this scheme will help a large number of people at this difficult time.

“While our businesses across both horse and greyhound racing are shut down, we have been delighted to work with a number of councils to identify the needs of local people and families who may be finding things difficult at the moment.

“With the significant financial support of the Reuben Foundation, our team and suppliers have been able to put together these essentials boxes, which councils will be able to distribute to those that need them.”

He added: “We hope these supplies will offer some help to those who are finding things difficult at the moment and to who we would like to wish all the very best.”

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