Racing Welfare unveil two flagship fundraising events for 2026
Racing Welfare has announced two major fundraising events for 2026, calling on the racing industry and beyond to step outside familiar territory and help support the people who keep the sport moving.
The Racing Welfare Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge and the return of Racing Come Dancing at Epsom Racecourse offer two very different routes to getting involved, but both ask the same question. Could you take on a challenge that pushes you, connects you to others and helps fund vital support across racing?
Together, these flagship events play a critical role in enabling Racing Welfare to deliver its services. The charity is not government funded and requires around £3 million each year to support people working in racing through mental health challenges, injury, illness, housing pressures and financial difficulty. Last year, these events combined, raised more than £200,000. In 2026, the aim is to raise even more.
The first challenge takes place on Sunday 5 July with the Racing Welfare Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge.
Set in the dramatic landscape of the Brecon Beacons, participants will cover 22 miles, summit ten peaks all in a single day and for many, the challenge will offer more than just physical endurance. It will provide space to step away from daily pressures, invest in personal wellbeing and share an experience that is both demanding and deeply rewarding.
Walking side by side across open hills, participants support one another through the tougher climbs and quieter moments. Friendships are built, resilience grows and the sense of achievement at the finish is shared. The challenge is fully supported and open to all, from experienced walkers to those taking on a major physical test for the first time.
Lucy and John Kent, who took part in last year’s Castle to Abbey challenge, said:
“We both really enjoyed the challenge, and it was professionally run. Everyone was so friendly and supportive, and we were delighted to help raise money for such a worthy charity. Our family, friends and owners got behind us and were thrilled to be part of the day.”
Later in the year, on Sunday 8 November, a very different challenge returns as Racing Come Dancing takes centre stage at Epsom Racecourse.
Following a hugely successful event in 2025, Racing Come Dancing 2026 will be one location, it will be bigger, better and will see participants from across the racing industry step onto the dancefloor with just eight weeks of training. Performing live in front of an audience at Epsom, and thousands more watching online, participants will push beyond their comfort zones and experience the thrill of taking on something completely new.
For those involved, the journey is as powerful as the performance. Confidence grows with every rehearsal and the sense of achievement on the night is unforgettable. It is a celebration of bravery, teamwork and the willingness to say yes to a challenge for the greater good.
Dan Skelton, Leading National Hunt Trainer said:
“We (Grace and I) were absolutely delighted to be on the first edition of Racing Come Dancing. It took a bit of commitment, but it was great fun and completely worth it. To get the chance to learn to dance, performing on the night and helping raise so much money made it an unforgettable experience. We had lots of friends there who had a fantastic night out. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough, If you can do it, do it!”
“These events are about so much more than fundraising,” said Racing Welfare CEO, Dawn Goodfellow. “They bring people together, support wellbeing and help ensure we can continue providing vital support to those working across the racing industry. Every mile walked and every dance performed makes a real difference.”
With registrations now open for the Brecon Beacons 10 Peaks Challenge and interest invited for Racing Come Dancing 2026, Racing Welfare is encouraging individuals, yards and businesses across the industry to get involved.
Sign up now or register your interest at www.racingwelfare.co.uk/events