York Racecourse is pleased to announce new Community Partners for 2025, a programme now in its third year of supporting good causes that are local to the track.

The relationship with Clifton Green Primary School continues to flourish, most recently the Year 6 cohort celebrated the end of their SATS week with a trip to the races supported by the Racing to School programme.

To compliment this partnership, York Racecourse have brought on board two new Partners for 2025.

• The Collective Sharehouse – based less than a mile from the Knavesmire, a volunteer led ‘Give as you can, take as you need’ top-up food support and café, run by the community for the community.
• Move the Masses – a walking buddy project which makes getting out for a walk a reality for people who would otherwise find it difficult to leave their homes, the buddies can often be seen strolling the Knavesmire.

As part of the partnership each charity will receive a £1,000 donation from York Racecourse in addition to a package of benefits, including a raceday bucket collection, tickets to the races to use in raffles, and the opportunity to host a fundraising event at a discounted rate at the racecourse. Furthermore, the charity will have access to expertise within the racecourse team to support them across areas of their organisation, from anything on PR, digital and social media advice to health and safety procedures.

We also hope that our equine ambassador, Remy, will play a part in meeting the beneficiaries of both new organisations. For the last two years Remy has attended a school assembly at Clifton Green Primary School and is looking forward to welcoming a group of pupils to his home at New Beginnings at the beginning of next month.

Last year, the Racecourse worked with The Blueberry Academy, and their neighbours, Brainkind. These organisations will continue to benefit from the relationship built over the past year including repeat visits by Remy, opportunities to visit the races as well as the ability to pick up the phone to an experienced ear.

The Blueberry Academy have valued the partnership, with Dave Tabron Guidance Co-ordinator, saying;

“Our trainees and staff have benefited with experiences and learning relating to York Racecourse's broad range and reach of activities.  The Racecourse team have been great to work with, and we have a lasting legacy within our Employment focus.  Members of our community have developed their knowledge and perception of the horse racing industry, and we hope to continue interacting with the industry as customers, fans, participants and employees for years to come." 

In the meantime, York Racecourse is looking forward to being able to bring direct benefits to two new York organisations alongside Clifton Green Primary School.

Nicola Adams, Head of Clifton Green Primary School a long-standing partner of York Racecourse said:

“We’re extremely grateful for our ongoing partnership with York Racecourse. Together we are providing our children with brilliant opportunities which foster both academic and personal growth. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration.”

The team from The Collective Sharehouse responded to their news:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with York Racecourse over the coming year and are eager to get started.

This partnership will raise awareness around wider poverty & advocacy issues locally and assist in raising funds and building community capacity to address these.

This will make a world of difference to the families who use our community food support in the Micklegate Ward area of York.

In addition, it will serve to deepen ties between the racecourse and a wider section of the local community.”

William Derby, Chief Executive, York Racecourse said: 

“We are delighted to support three very worthwhile and different York based causes through our Community Partners initiative.

“In addition to supporting these charities financially we wanted to help make a difference on a practical level.  We have a great team of people all of whom are experts in their field, therefore the charities will be able to access them to help troubleshoot specific areas within their own organisations. We are excited to start helping our latest partners and our old friends.”