Newbury Racecourse To Welcome Charity Cyclist Tom Dunlop As Part of National Racehorse Week & Community Raceday

Newbury Racecourse’s Community Raceday on Thursday, 28th August will be the final destination for 19-year-old Tom Dunlop’s extraordinary solo charity bike ride around all 60 British racecourses – covering over 2,600 miles in just 33 days.

Coinciding with National Racehorse Week, Newbury Racecourse are proud to be hosing the newly named ‘National Racehorse Week & Community Raceday’ and will celebrate not only the community and industry initiatives, but also Tom’s incredible physical and fundraising achievement.

The Lambourn-born cyclist, and eldest son of trainer Harry Dunlop, began his journey on 27th July at Newton Abbot, cycling north to Perth and down through Wales before he completes the challenge at his home track, Newbury, on 28th August. His ride aims to raise £60,000 – £1,000 per racecourse – in aid of The Injured Jockeys Fund and Diverse Abilities, a Dorset-based charity supporting his godmother’s son Ollie, who has Angelman’s Syndrome.

“I’m looking forward to finishing this huge challenge at my home racecourse Newbury,” said Tom. “When I cross the finish line I will have cycled to all 60 British racecourses in just 33 days – covering over 2,400 miles, the equivalent of cycling to Ankara in Turkey! I’m determined to reach my fundraising target, so please keep donating.”

Racegoers and local supporters are invited to join in on giving Tom a hero’s welcome as he completes the final stretch of his remarkable journey on raceday afternoon.

In full support of National Racehorse Week, which runs from the 23rd to the 31st August, Newbury is delighted to welcome Mahlervous, the course’s official equine ambassador, and his miniature Shetland companion, Gladys, in partnership with Greatwood Charity. Both horses will be available for a meet-and-greet before the racing begins.

The Racecourse’s charity partner, Swings and Smiles, will also be on-site as Newbury continue their fundraising efforts. Families supported by the charity will receive complimentary raceday tickets and access to a dedicated area, with a mobile sensory unit and an AccessoLoo facility. Autism in Racing will also be present, with tickets provided to Berkshire Autism, Community United, and students and parents from Castle School and Oaklands School.

Local charity Home-Start West Berkshire will sponsor one of the seven evening races, and alongside the full racecard, guests can enjoy two pony races and live DJ at the Pump Technology After Party to close out the night.

Gabi Whitfield, Head of Welfare Communications at Great British Racing, said: “It’s fantastic to have Newbury Racecourse so actively supporting National Racehorse Week with such a vibrant, inclusive day – and to welcome Tom Dunlop as he completes his epic cycling journey is a brilliant way to highlight the power of racing to bring people together.”

To follow Tom’s journey and donate, follow the button below.

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