Money problems worse than ever now – but at Racing Welfare we're here to help

It has been the most extraordinary year in many of our lifetimes, with the pandemic presenting global challenges, and at Racing Welfare we have seen first-hand the personal impact of these challenges on individuals across the breadth of our industry.

The adverse effect of Covid-19 on people's day-to-day lives has resulted in Racing Welfare helping record numbers of people.

To the end of September we had supported 4,028 people, almost double those we had at the same point in 2019. Significantly, two-thirds of these people contacted Racing Welfare with issues directly related to Covid-19.

For a wide range of reasons, from furlough or periods of sickness to family issues and bereavement, the need for financial support has seen the biggest increase in demand.

Thanks to the generosity of the John Pearce Foundation, by the end of November we had distributed £94,142 in Covid-19 Emergency Grants and a further £21,500 in Return to School Grants.

Nearly half of those applying for grants were new beneficiaries. While this highlights the widespread impact the virus has had on some of those within the industry, it has also given us the opportunity to provide a wider range of support that stretches beyond the purely financial.

The impact of financial stress on a person's overall wellbeing should not be underestimated. Money worries can result in the widest range of emotions and we are able to provide support to anyone who is feeling the strain.

Research conducted by the Money Advice Trust has shown that one in ten Britons feel stressed about money in the lead-up to Christmas and that one in three will put the cost of Christmas on credit.

We are aiming to support those who may be in this position with our Family Festive Grant. The grants are available to anyone who works in the industry, or has lost income due to Covid and who has dependent children. The grants are awarded at £100 per child and are aimed at increasing financial resilience.

Last week's news of a vaccine gives some hope as we head into the festive period but we remain painfully aware that money worries are likely to continue for many in 2021.

I would encourage anyone who is worried about finances or any other issue to get in touch by calling racing's Support Line on 0800 6300 443.

Whatever support you need, Racing Welfare remains here for you throughout the festive season and it is very much my hope that we can help to make this a Merry Christmas for you.

Simone Sear is the director of welfare at Racing Welfare

Letters to the editor: Tingle Creek ground all right for Altior

I wonder if Nicky Henderson will rue not running Altior in Saturday's Tingle Creek.

The clock suggests the ground was not the glue pot that Henderson feared; Politologue crossed the line in 3min 58.14sec. When you compare this to the 2018 running that Altior himself won on soft ground in 4min 3.2sec, it suggests Altior would have been fine on the ground. His absence almost certainly deprived racegoers and TV viewers of another thrilling Tingle Creek finish.

A lot has been written about Altior's late withdrawal, but most worrying is the suggestion the Tingle Creek is just a step on the path to Cheltenham. The huge shadow that Cheltenham casts over everything that precedes it in the National Hunt season is getting larger if we're starting to see horses missing prestigious races before Christmas to be saved for it.

Barry Geraghty described the Tingle Creek as one of the classics of jump racing after winning last year's running. Its roll of honour supports that and I would argue classic Tingle Creek races live longer in the memory than the Champion Chase.

Much as we all love Cheltenham, there is no finer sight than a top-class two-mile chaser pinging their way down the back straight at Sandown. The Tingle Creek is truly spine-tingling and it deserves to stand on its own.
Tony Wells
Epsom

Success much deserved

It was great to see Harry Bannister have an excellent double at Kelso (December 6) following on from a decent-priced winner at Aintree the previous day.

Harry is a much underrated jockey who always gives a positive ride, and it would be interesting to see him have more chances to show what an excellent rider he is.

One positive to emerge from the Covid-19 restrictions has been lesser-known jockeys have had more riding opportunities and we have seen some very skilful horsemen who normally go under the radar.

Here’s wishing Harry every success and many more winners.
Kate O’Brien
Leicestershire

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