Wednesday 27th November 2024
gates open
10:30 (TBC)
first race
12:30 (TBC)
last race
16:00 (TBC)
race type
Jumps
races
7
going
We are proud to stage the inaugural Richard Layton Charity Raceday this Wednesday 27th November.
No fewer than SEVEN Herefordshire farmers took their own lives in 2023 alone. This terrifying statistic underlines the fact that there is a mental health crisis in the agricultural community, and it is right on our doorstep. Because the NHS is overwhelmed, charities are forced to fill the breach as best they can.
Tragically, Richard Layton, who ran Dewdales Hope Farm in Bodenham, near Leominster, was one of those farmers. He was just 53 when he took his own life in March last year, following a lengthy mental health battle.
His wife Marie-Louise, son George and daughter Lily are determined to raise awareness and support those in the local Herefordshire farming community who may similarly be suffering from anxiety, loneliness and depression.
Marie-Louise’s cousins and Wye Valley Group founders, Sue and Andrew Howell, also suffered a similar tragedy. Their elder brother, Robert, was just 27 when he took his own life.
This is personal for the two families and their friends. They are all determined to make a difference, trying to ensure lives are saved. Along with journalist and broadcaster Simon Milham, they have come together to form ‘Charity Racedays’, and are hosting a spectacular event, trying to raise as much money as possible for three deserving charities, with all monies raised split equally between the three.
A fabulous afternoon’s racing will be augmented by a raffle and auction, and racegoers will have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and donate at the charities’ respective stalls, with the IJF selling their ever-popular Christmas cards and calendars. The organisers have been overwhelmed by the incredible support they have already received, and that support is tremendously appreciated in raising money for the three supported charities:
Children 17 and under go free to the races when accompanied by an adult (some exclusions apply for Festival fixtures and Live After Racing events). Children do not require a ticket in advance and a free ticket will be issued on the day.
Concessions discounts are only available on the day.
Good news! All booking/fulfillment fees for general admission have been removed for racedays and events in 2024. The price you see on our website is the price you’ll pay at the checkout. Hospitality fulfillment fees apply when booking online. All bookings are made in accordance with our terms and conditions of entry.
Our restaurants and hospitality packages are not available for this fixture. If you’re looking to celebrate or make your day extra special, take a look at our hospitality calendar to see which fixtures have hospitality available or call our events team on 01432 273560.
Early Bird tickets save you £££'s!
Access to public bars, eateries, and betting outlets along with views of the racing action including the parade ring, pre-parade ring and any live entertainment.
Extra savings when booking 10 or more tickets. For even larger groups of 40+ call 01342 831 791
Grab a fantastic value ticket, food and drink bundle
- Admission ticket & raceday programme
- Welcome drink (pint of Carlsberg or a soft drink)
- Traditional pie
- Great access to all of the action on and off the track
* Must be booked in advance. Limited availability.
Celebrate in style by crafting an exclusive message for the racecard! Your personalised greeting, such as a 'Happy Anniversary,' will be featured in the racecard and announced during the event.
Let us know your message (of up to 20 words) at least seven days before the event, by responding to your confirmation email or sending to racingsouth@arenaracingcompany.co.uk
Limited availability
