Watch video tours and get other behind-the-scenes insights from racehorse trainers in Epsom
Meet a section of Epsom’s equine superstars
Meet the local racing staff and hear from them on what makes their job so special
Look ahead to horses to follow for the rest of the season
The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) has been confirmed as headline sponsor of Racing Welfare’s Virtual Epsom Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August. The free to access online event has been created in replacement of the usual Epsom Open Day and race meeting on the August Bank Holiday, which has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Virtual Epsom Open Day – sponsored by ROA - will feature video tours emulating the visitor’s perspective making viewers feel like they are really at the yard. Content on the day will also include Derek Thompson’s ‘Morning Line Reborn’ broadcast live from the Epsom Downs training grounds from 9 – 9.30am, with interviews from trainers and racing staff based within the town. A further live segment giving an insight into what goes on at ‘evening stables’ will be aired from 4pm, hosted by ITV and Racing TV’s Rishi Persad at a local racing yard. Follow Racing Welfare on Facebook to view the live features, as well as other virtual content throughout the day.
Charlie Liverton, Chief Executive of the Racehorse Owners Association, said: “The ROA are delighted to support the Epsom Open Day. Under the current restrictions it’s great that a virtual format this year will showcase Epsom, its horses and people to a wider audience.
“Bringing an audience in to the world of racing through behind-the-scenes tours of local yards, watching horses being exercised, and meeting trainers and staff is something we’re keen to support as part of the industry’s efforts to share insights into the sport we love.
“Epsom’s August bank holiday open day has become well established. It’s terrific that this year’s event will be accessible to all online.”
Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said: “We are excited to be working with the ROA on the Virtual Epsom Open Day. The day is sure to include content for everyone, and the addition of the live broadcasts hosted by Tommo and Rishi add another dimension to the event.”
To register for the event and receive your free online programme or for more information on the Virtual Epsom Open Day please view racingwelfare.co.uk/epsomopenday
About Racing Welfare
Racing Welfare is the only charity that supports all of racing’s people - including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions - from their recruitment right through into retirement. The charity provides a wide range of advice and guidance services, all of which are completely confidential and non-judgmental. Support is available for a wide range of life’s challenges, including physical health, mental health, bereavement, careers advice, housing, money advice, illness, addiction, relationships and retirement. Racing Welfare’s services are nationally accessible with offices in all of the main racing centres and roving Welfare Officers covering the whole of the country.
The charity owns 164 units of accommodation across the UK, with a focus on providing housing for young people working in racing and those who have retired from the industry which are managed by its housing arm, Racing Homes.
Racing’s Support Line, a multi-channel support platform, allows people to contact the charity online as well as through a 24hr telephone line.
Website: www.racingwelfare.co.uk
Racing’s Support Line: 0800 6300 443
Online self-help resources: www.support.racingwelfare.co.uk
Racing Welfare’s Covid-19 Emergency Appeal
Due to the cancellation of planned fundraising events, Racing Welfare needs to raise £500k this year to fill the income deficit from this source.
Donate to the Emergency Appeal here: justgiving.com/RWEmergencyAppeal
