We are delighted to announce that the Richard Layton Charity Raceday is returning to Hereford this April, the inaugural raceday took place in November 2024 and saw over £50,000 raised. This was shared across three charities, We Are Farming Minds, Midlands Air Ambulance and The Injured Jockeys’ Fund, these charities will once again be chosen beneficiaries for the money raised, as well as a fourth charity for 2026, Herefordshire MIND. We would love you to join us on Thursday 16th April (evening racing) and support us all again in ‘Making Mental Health the Front Runner’.
In 2023 alone, seven farmers in Herefordshire tragically took their own lives – including Richard Layton, a much-loved husband, father, and member of our farming community. His story, and those of others like him, remind us why we cannot look away from the silent mental health crisis impacting rural life.In 2024, three Herefordshire farmers died in this tragic way – a lesser number but no less devastating. This year, we will be raising money for FOUR fantastic charities, and we would love you to join us again.
Following the 2024 event, the Hereford Racecourse team were honoured to be named finalists in the Racing Together Community Award category at the 2025 RCA Showcase Awards, and were admittedly stunned when they were crowned winners of this special category alongside such amazing finalists. Camilla Esling (General Manager) and Katie Mansell (Business Co-Ordinator) attended the awards on behalf of the racecourse, held at York Racecourse in November, to accept the award on the night.
Camilla said ‘We were honoured to accept this prestigious RCA Showcase Award, and we can’t wait for the return of the 2026 raceday where it promises to be bigger and better, and to raise even more money for these deserving charities. We were delighted to accept the RCA Award not only for the racecourse team, but for the Layton Family too, as they have achieved such wonderful things in Richard’s memory, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so.’
Take a look at what the 2024 raceday meant to everyone here (video)
The 2026 charity event for hospitality guests will take place throughout the afternoon of Thursday 16th April and then extend into the evening race meeting. Gates will open to the public at 3pm, the first of 7 races at 5pm, and the last race at 8pm (race times subject to minor changes).
The 2026 event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with lunch taking place before racing. Highlights include:
- A delicious two-course lunch with a welcome glass of fizz
- A full racecard with the first race under starters orders late afternoon
- Star guests from the racing world
- An exclusive auction featuring money-can’t-buy prizes
- An unmissable raffle
- Live music and hog roast after the last race and into the evening
There are a limited number of Race Sponsorship Packages available – but HURRY! It is first-come, first-served. So, don’t miss out.
GOLD – RACE SPONSORSHIP - Table of 10 people - £3,500 (+ vat), includes:
- 10 Members’ Enclosure Tickets to a Racecourse boasting one of the best views of the action in the UK
- Name YOUR race: Put YOUR name to one of seven races on the exciting Jumps card, which will be etched in sporting history
- Advertise yourself or your company in the Official Racecard – a keepsake forever
- Your sponsorship will also be carried in national newspapers and online media!
- Opportunity to take advantage of on-the-day digital and banner advertising at Hereford Racecourse
- Exclusive access to the Parade Ring – be part of the action, viewing the runners in your race ahead of the start
- Make a groom’s day by judging the ‘Best Turned-Out’ horse
- Present the prizes to winning connections of YOUR race and have your photo taken with them – a fantastic memento of the day!
- Receive 10 Official Racecards for you and your guests, plus additional Racecards if required
- A welcome glass of fizz for yourself and your guests
- Shake hands with some of racing’s biggest stars – and have your pictures taken with them
- Get valuable and exclusive insight on the afternoon’s upcoming action from informed racing judges and ‘in-the-know’ experts
- Settle down to enjoy a sumptuous two-course meal before the action starts
- Get your bids in for our auction with fabulous money-can’t-buy prizes
- Chance your arm to win some astounding prizes in a grand raffle
- Live music and hog roast after the last race and into the evening
SILVER – Table of 10 people - £1,500 (+ vat), includes:
- 10 Members’ Enclosure Tickets.
- 10 Official Racecards
- A welcome glass of fizz for yourself and your guests.
- Meet some of racing’s biggest names – and have your pictures taken with them.
- Get valuable and exclusive insight on the afternoon’s upcoming action from informed racing judges and ‘in-the-know’ experts
- Enjoy a sumptuous two-course meal before the action starts.
- Get your bids in for our auction with fabulous money-can’t-buy prizes.
- Chance your arm to win some astounding prizes in a grand raffle.
- Live music and hog roast after the last race and into the evening
BRONZE
We would love to see you on the day. But if you cannot make this fantastic afternoon’s sport among friends, we would greatly welcome any support you can offer, such as:
- Sponsorship: Racecourse banner advertisement
- Donate raffle prizes
- Gift vouchers
- Monetary donations
If you have any questions or wish to donate, please contact any of the organisers:
Sue Howell: sue@wyevalleygroup.co.uk 07900 926 555
Marie-Louise Layton: marie-louise.layton@wyevalleygroup.co.uk 07818 576 873
THE CHARITIES
WAFM is a registered charity that helps raise mental health awareness in the rural communities of Herefordshire and support the wellbeing of farmers.
Set up by Sam and Emily Stables, its aim is to reach out to the farming community to break down stigma, open up support and say to every farmer ‘you are not alone’.
WAFM provide 24-hour support, funding for professional counselling if required, mental health training to individuals and professionals in the farming community, resources and advice for further help, social events to combat isolation and bring farmers together, reassurance through personal experience that things can and will get better and a befriending service for people that are lonely or isolated.
If you are a Herefordshire farmer or you are concerned about someone you know and want someone to talk to, you can call the We Are Farming Minds 24/7 helpline on 0808 802 0070 or text 07786 203130
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is responsible for funding and operating three air ambulance helicopters and three critical care cars serving the communities of six Midlands counties: Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands and Worcestershire.
The Injured Jockeys Fund provides appropriate support in a prompt and sympathetic manner to those jockeys past or present who are injured, unable to ride, or generally in need.
Herefordshire Mind is a local registered mental health charity serving people across Herefordshire. It aims to ensure that no one has to face a mental health problem alone, offering practical and emotional support, including community services, counselling, support groups, a Safe Haven for those in distress, and residential and outreach support tailored to individual needs. The organisation also raises awareness about mental health issues and works to promote wellbeing and understanding in the local community, operating independently but affiliated with the national Mind charity.
If you have any questions regarding the event please do not hesitate to contact the racecourse team on 01432 273560 or email info@hereford-racecourse.co.uk.
