National Racehorse Week Delivers for Second Year

News | 29^th September 2022

Now in its second year and following a delayed start as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, National Racehorses Week got underway earlier this month.

National Racehorse Week 2022 saw 10,000 places made available with yards up and down the country opening their doors for the public to come and experience a day in the life of a racehorse.

From training facilities and studs to aftercare and rehoming centres, 138 different events took place over eight days helping to demonstrate in ‘real life’ both the passion for the racehorse that underpins the sport and how well racing’s equine athletes are cared for throughout their life.

With core funding provided by the Racing Foundation, National Racehorse Week was able to put a significant focus this year on community outreach and engagement.

A total of 26 dedicated events took place across the country, supported by Racing Together and Racing to School, with more than 800 people from schools, charities, urban equestrian centres and community groups getting involved to have their first experience behind the scenes of racing.

Founder Phillips Leads by Example

Trainer Richard Phillips, the originator of the idea for National Racehorse Week, welcomed over 300 people at his open day in Adlestrop, Gloucestershire.

National Racehorse Week took place 11-18 September. The initiative is run by Great British Racing and was funded primarily by the Racing Foundation, with additional financial support from The Horserace Betting Levy Board.

For 2022, supporting partners included The Jockey Club, Godolphin, Arena Racing Company, The Japan Racing Association and The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charity Trust. Community and schools’ activities were supported by Racing to School, Racing Together and GoRacingGreen.

The event is supported by the National Trainers Federation and was the original idea of trainer Richard Phillips. National Racehorse Week forms a key part of the sport’s welfare strategy ‘A Life Well Lived’, overseen by the Horse Welfare Board.