Autism In Racing set to launch 'The Great Big Ride' fundraiser next month - here's how you can take part

Autism in Racing (AIR) is shortly to launch a new fundraising initiative it is calling ‘The Great Big Ride’.

The initative is scheduled for next month and is aimed at getting racing industry people mobile in different ways across Britain to raise money for the organisation.

In contrast to the usual organised rides, runs or walks, AIR is encouraging racing people to go out independently or in small groups either on horseback, bicycle or even on foot on June 28 and then pledge £10 to the organisation.

Only last month, AIR came together with the Newmarket Pony Academy to host 12 families at the British Racing School where many autistic children sat on ponies for the first time.

Organiser Jane Buick, wife of two-time champion jockey William, said of the latest initiative: “We’re trying to get racing yards, pony clubs and riding schools across the country involved in The Great Big Ride. Any standard of rider can take part, or if not you can jump on your bike or walk and help raise some money for the charity. Hopefully people will send us their videos and pictures so we can share them on social media.”

Buick, who is hoping to launch the initiative next week, added: “We have some trainers already on board like James Owen, George Scott, Amo Racing and Adam Nicol, from Seahouses in Northumberland, who will be taking his horses to the beach. I don’t know how it will go, but the idea was to find something easy for people to do and to raise funds for the charity."

On a more general AIR note, she added: “We are pushing the mentoring programme for autistic people so they can find work in racing, as some already have. Stud work is suitable for people with autism as it is very much a routine thing and also there is a quiet environment.”

Autism in Racing founder Bobby Beevers and his family

A day after ‘The Great Big Ride’, AIR is also planning a mini open day in Newmarket for families dealing with autism at three stables in close proximity to one another.

The yards of John Ryan, Ross Burdon and Patrick Owens are set to open up for just ten families to visit on the morning of Sunday, June 29.

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the annual Henry Cecil Open Weekend in the town which attracts many thousands of visitors, the mini open day will be more suitable for autistic individuals who could find the bigger events to be overwhelming for them.

Bobby Beevers, founder of Autism In Racing, said: “The open days in Newmarket, Lambourn and Middleham are very popular, but on the whole that doesn’t suit people with autism. The idea of the mini open day is to give those families the chance to go around a yard or two. Equine therapy is very important to people with autism, and we’ve capped it at ten families."

Last July, Spotlight Sports Group, the parent company of the Racing Post, announced Autism In Racing as its first annual community partner as part of the company's wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to promote volunteering and community outreach.

Founded in 2021 through a collaboration between Beevers, Racing Together and the Racecourse Association (RCA), Autism In Racing was created to promote awareness and inclusivity within the racing industry for those diagnosed with the disorder.

Read more . . .

'It was full within a week' - link-up between Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism In Racing a hit with families 

Former riders come together to support Autism In Racing in Chepstow fundraising race 

New mentoring scheme hailed 'a game-changer' for neurodiverse people seeking employment in racing 

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