The Racing Foundation: we are here to support key charities during tough times

The Racing Foundation has moved to reassure beneficiaries and the wider racing industry about the security of its grants and its readiness to support charities coming under pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic temporarily shutting down British racing.

Charities are facing considerable stress on their services as thousands of individuals and businesses working in racing try to adapt to the circumstances created by the suspension of racing until the end of April.

In a statement, the Racing Foundation made it clear there were "no plans to recall grants" and that there would be flexibility when it came to delivering on projects that were in the works, and the potential early release of funds to organisations in need.

The actions are part of what chief executive Rob Hezel has labelled as the group’s willingness to “play our part” as funding and services are squeezed in the next few weeks.

He said: “Charities in racing are facing three main problems. Firstly around fundraising with events not taking place, so that’s going to have an impact on their income. There are also concerns about the longer-term implications of disposable income being affected, so when things do restart there may not be the same amounts coming into charities at these events.

“Secondly, these charities have services to provide and are having problems with staffing and people being off sick. Thirdly, charities that offer grants are facing a pressure on funds too, so we need to be there to support them as best we can.”

Running at a deficit of £2 million

The Racing Foundation has been contributing to racing’s industry plan, a submission that is set to be made to government around funding and aid for the sport, including around when action can resume, with the document reportedly ready to be signed and delivered within days.

Hezel also revealed that a survey of racing charities conducted since the shutdown of the sport brought home of the realities facing the sector.

He said: “We did a survey of racing charities, which between them were budgeted to spend £24 million over the next 12 months. Between them over the next three months they expect to run at a deficit of around £2m, so that shows you what they are facing.

“We can reassure them and racing that we’re ready to play our part, and we’re trying to do that in three ways: through input into the industry plan, which is concentrating on the welfare of the people and the horses in the sport, by speaking to our funders who have historically supported racing charities and also through dealing with the charities directly to see where we can help them.”

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