The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, slated for Sept. 18-19 this year, will welcome visitors back to Newmarket for the first time since 2019. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event, which normally features racing and equine enthusiasts visiting training yards, into a virtual format for the first time. A total of £48,000 was raised for its three chosen beneficiaries-Racing Welfare (80%), the British Racing School (10%) and the Racing Centre (10%). This year, Racing Welfare, the newly formed Newmarket Pony Academy and a soon to be announced community project for all residents are the beneficiaries of the fundraiser. For more information, please visit www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk.
Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said, “Despite the challenges last year, we were determined to keep the event running and help raise funds for our charities. A huge thanks to everyone who donated money and supported the first Virtual Henry Cecil Open Weekend.
“Following recent Government announcements, we plan to welcome back visitors to Newmarket this September. The Henry Cecil Open Weekend provides a unique insight into racing life at Newmarket and is a highlight for many horseracing fans. We are very much looking forward to the weekend.”
Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, added, “Racing Welfare is honoured to once again be one of the chosen charities of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. Previous funds raised from the Henry Cecil Open Weekend have gone towards the refurbishment of MacDonald Buchanan House in Newmarket into high-quality, safe accommodation for young people entering the racing industry. Any funds raised from the 2021 Henry Cecil Open Weekend will go towards the upkeep of this essential accommodation and the support of the 18 young tenants who live there, helping them to gain independent living skills and giving them a happy, healthy start in their racing careers. We are incredibly grateful to the Henry Cecil Open Weekend committee and to all those who donate to this fantastic weekend of racing entertainment.”
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