Proceeds from ARC Malton Open Day will go towards Racing Welfare’s wide-ranging support services for everyone working in the horseracing industry.
People like Debbie, who is the Annual Badgeholder Manager at York Racecourse. Debbie came to Racing Welfare for physiotherapy following a complex fracture to her lower leg. She explains how the charity’s support extended far beyond funding her physiotherapy, and the positive impact this had on her overall wellbeing.
Debbie has spent most of her career in the horseracing industry, riding out for a couple of local trainers before joining York Racecourse’s ticketing team over 19 years ago. She describes the racecourse as ‘one big family’ where everyone looks out for each other. That close-knit working community is what led to Debbie being signposted to Racing Welfare when an accident out of work left her with a significant injury.
Debbie recalls being approached by York Racecourse’s Chief Executive, William Derby, the day after the accident when she had turned up to work: “William suggested I contact Racing Welfare; he recognised that I needed some support – not just physio, but mentally I needed some support as well. He realised that I needed to talk it out with someone.”
Debbie followed William’s advice and was put in touch with her local welfare officer, who arranged ongoing physiotherapy at Malton’s Jack Berry House. She also benefitted from emotional support from the charity during a tough and drawn-out recovery process. Debbie said: “It goes beyond courses of physiotherapy… it’s so beneficial speaking to somebody who doesn’t really know you… having somebody to listen and reassure you that how you’re feeling is alright.”
Initially, Debbie hadn’t realised that support was available to everyone working in the horseracing industry, including those in administrative roles like her. She said: “I was conscious that I didn’t want to take anybody’s space. But after speaking with William and Racing Welfare about it I realised how important it is for every person in racing, no matter what their role, to be fit and well – how we all play an important part in staging a race day. “I haven’t had a day off sick with [my injury] and that is because of the support of Racing Welfare.” “Without Racing Welfare, without their support and guidance, I really don’t know where I’d be. It’s not just physically, with my mental health they’ve helped me. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. It’s comforting to know they’re there.”
Racing Welfare is a registered charity supporting the people who make up the workforce of British horseracing; offering professional guidance and practical help to the stud, stable and racecourse staff whose dedication is vital for the well-being of racing. The charity’s work aims to help people, from recruitment to retirement, to thrive in day to day life and through a range of life’s challenges.
Find out more about Racing Welfare’s impact on the industry’s people: HERE