Across the country, people from racing have been supporting their local communities as part of Give and Gain Day 2016.

In Newmarket, members of racing and local organisations were invited to the launch of a project to develop an unused outdoor area into a versatile communal space.

Annika Broster, head of the Newmarket Racing Centre said:

“It was great to see so many people attend Grow Together and create a vision for The Racing Centre’s outdoor space.”

Trainers Richard Fahey and Scott Dixon, supported by Hayley Turner, a sporting ambassador with Active Communities Network and the Northern Racing College, hosted a yard visit for a group of young people to learn about life in the yard and career pathways into racing.

Ten students from Google Academy were met by Amie Canham at the Richard Fahey yard and received a personal tour of the facilities. They learnt about the daily duties of stable and race day staff as well as the training of the horses. Amie spoke of how “opening up the yard had been fantastic as it allows young people to see a side of racing that isn’t often seen.”

Another ten young people from the 5 Star Active programme at Flying Futures attended Scott Dixon’s yard and were shown around the site by the man himself as well as former female jockey Hayley Turner. Together they gave young people an insight into their experiences and responsibilities as a trainer and a jockey respectively. Scott noted how the day allowed him to show that “horse racing isn’t just for the elite but that it’s accessible to everyone”. Hayley spoke about the passion, commitment and dedication needed to succeed in the industry.

After visiting the two sites, both groups came together at the Northern Racing College accompanied by Hayley Turner. They learnt about how to get into the industry as well as the different job roles within it.

Georgia from Google Academy spoke of how the day had inspired her to apply to the Northern Racing College:

“Today has been really good and a different experience. Seeing it put into practice has inspired me even more and that’s why I’ve taken away an application pack.”

This echoed the views of Hayley Turner:

“Today has given young people an opportunity to set themselves new goals and aspirations, perhaps something that they wouldn’t have thought about if it wasn’t for today.”

52 young people between the ages of 14 and 16 attended a multi-sport event at the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Sports Facility in South London, with volunteers from the BHA, RCA and the Racing Post on hand to coach and support everyone involved.

A teacher from Platanos school said:

“The day has been absolutely fabulous – all the kids have been participating, great vibe. It’s been a breath of fresh air really, bringing them out, with them meeting other people other than their teachers, playing sports that they don’t usually do and it’s been great to watch them work together as a team both boys and girls so it’s been excellent.”

Oliur Rahman, Head of Programmes – London, Active Communities Network said:

“It’s great that companies like BHA and RCA are so willing to give up their time to help young people realise their potential. These events highlight what ACN do: engage people through sport and give young people the tools they will need in the workplace.”

Racing Welfare helped a local primary school with outdoor work and assisted a local parish with their regeneration tasks.

Several racecourses, including Beverley, Chelmsford City and Perth were involved in several local community-based projects spanning the country. Musselburgh Racecourse was involved with clearing litter at a public space close to the racecourse.

Sarah Montgomery, Senior Operations and Commercial Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse said:

“We’ve been building our activity in the community throughout the year. It’s important that we’re good neighbours. Give and Gain Day was so rewarding last year that we wanted to get involved again.

“It’s been great team work and hopefully we made a bit of a difference. We even unearthed a supermarket trolley! We’ll definitely do it again.”

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community said:

“Give & Gain Day is an opportunity for businesses, community organisations and schools to celebrate what can be achieved through the power of volunteers. Employee volunteering is a win-win, the experience builds skills and motivates employees, whilst helping meet community needs.”

Sean O’Connor, Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together said:

“British Racing is passionate about communities and helping others. Give & Gain Day is just a natural extension of the work we are already doing.  I’m hugely grateful to those across the country that have given up their day jobs to support this great initiative and make a positive and lasting impression on the lives of others.”