Horse Welfare

The welfare of horse and jockey is our top priority. We do everything we can to minimise the chances of horses incurring an injury.

A team of veterinary surgeons is present at every meeting ensuring the safety of the horse. It is our policy to erect green screens around any horse requiring veterinary attention. These provide privacy and a calm environment for the vets and connections while the horse is attended to.

When Maurice died in June 2019, just a few weeks short of his 87th birthday, the family wanted to do something that would mark his birthday in the years to come. He was a loving, family man but what could we do to mark his birthday? Something special to him and something that the family of all ages, including his 5 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren (and counting), could enjoy in the years to come?

It wasn’t a difficult decision to sponsor a race at Newbury in his memory. What better way to bring family and friends together to remember him in an environment where he would have been in his element. Newbury did us proud last year (after the first year was cancelled due to Covid) and the family enjoyed our first memorial race evening so much that we are delighted to be able repeat it again this year. The whole family came together and we could not have spent a happier evening remembering Maurice, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. Even though he’s been gone 4 years we still miss him and think about him every day.

He was always mad on his racing. It didn’t matter to him if it was a regular weekend race meeting around the Midland tracks, a quiet evening meeting at Bath or top flight racing at the likes of Ascot, Sandown, Kempton or, of course, Newbury.

He was fortunate to have seen the top races and many of the greats of the sport, both human and equine. Lester Piggott, John Francome, Frankie Dettori, Desert Orchid, Red Rum, Sea Pigeon and so many more.

When he wasn’t at the races he was often found watching the racing on TV or attending stable visits to see his various syndicate horses. It didn’t matter if he owned a 1/12th share or merely an eyelash, he followed them with enthusiasm right until the day he died. We have no doubt that he is “looking down” on us again today, loving that the family is able to share his favourite past time. We can be sure that he’ll still be trying to find that elusive winner!