Key points:
- Event is aimed at creating a more inclusive environment
- Two panels will take place during the event
- A donation will be made to Racing Welfare
Virgin Bet will be hosting a Women’s Day event at Doncaster Racecourse on 9 November.
This is set to take place at the Virgin Bet November Handicap and will be a way of celebrating women within the sport to create a more inclusive environment.
There will be two panels during the event, led by presenter Natalie Pike, delving into diversity within horseracing and connecting fans with women from the sport.
On top of this, a donation is set to be made to Racing Welfare, which is a charity that aims to support the workforce of British horseracing.
This follows on from Virgin Bet’s first Women’s Day event which took place last season at Ayr Racecourse and marks the beginning of Virgin Bet’s continued partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC).
Virgin Bet Marketing Director Dominic Vye said: “Horse racing owes much of its success to the incredible women who contribute so much behind the scenes, and it’s time we celebrate their achievements. At Virgin Bet, as part of our ‘A Good Bet’ brand campaign, we want to make sport more accessible and highlight brilliance, no matter who the subject is, and this initiative is doing exactly that.”
Presenter and ‘Women’s Day Sponsored by Virgin Bet’ collaborator Natalie Pike added: “It’s been amazing to return and once again be part of this fantastic initiative with the teams at Virgin Bet and Doncaster Racecourse. I hope this year’s event will continue to inspire and uplift the incredible women in horse racing. Creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in the sport is so important, and I’m proud to help bring attention to that.”
Good to know: Virgin Bet’s personal safety partner, Walksafe, will be integrated into the raceday
Doncaster Racecourse Executive Director Rachel Harwood commented: “We are proud to celebrate Women’s Day here at Doncaster Racecourse. This initiative shines a spotlight on the essential role women play in our sport. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to remind everyone that racing is for everyone, and we hope all racegoers feel that sense of inclusivity and belonging.
“We’re also delighted to have Virgin Bet’s Personal Safety Partner WalkSafe integrated as part of their sponsorships with us. The experience and safety for all spectators at our racecourses is a priority, so it’s fantastic to see this as part of Virgin Bet’s ‘A Good Bet’ initiatives, which aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
In related news, Musselburgh Racecourse last week announced that Virgin Bet will return as the title sponsor for two of its flagship events in 2025: New Year’s Day and Easter Saturday Racedays.
