Why racehorse charity will be the big winner at Fontwell Park

Horse enthusiast Graham Oldfield set up the sanctuary with his partner Sue Collins and the pair provide a lifeline for horses who may face uncertain futures once their racing careers have come to an end.

“We started with space for half a dozen horses, now we have room for 19 horses and have successfully re-homed hundreds,” he said. “The horses that are cared for at The Sanctuary can be retrained and go into dressage and compete, or they simply go to a loving home and become part of a new family.

“Many of the horses that come to us have suffered injuries with their legs or backs and we take the time to really care for them and get them back into a place where they can be re-homed. To us every horse should have the chance to live their best life after racing.”

Oldfield and the team at The Racehorse Sanctuary continue visiting their horses even after they have been re-homed to ensure they are living out their lives in the best care.

Read our National Spirit Hurdle previewThe pair began rehabilitating horses 29 years ago and set up The Racehorse Sanctuary, now based in Petworth, in 2006. Fontwell Park became keen supporters of their cause from the beginning.

Oldfield added: “Fontwell Park have been the stars of the show from year one. They give us the platform and opportunity to showcase what we do, get more donations and keep helping the horses that really need it. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to get our message as far and wide as we do.

“We attend their most prestigious race day, The National Spirit Hurdle, every year to raise vital funds and show what we are all about. It’s brilliant.”

Fontwell Park executive director Paul Ellison added: “The Racehorse Sanctuary provide an invaluable service and we are thrilled to be able to support them year after year. Many of their horses have previously raced at Fontwell Park so it’s fantastic to know they’re going to be exceptionally cared for once their career comes to an end.

“The National Spirit Hurdle is one of our premium race meets and it’s going to be a fabulous day. The Racehorse Sanctuary will be taking over the Premier Grandstand to host a champagne reception, followed by a three-course lunch and a charity auction to help raise funds for all their vital work.”

To find out more about The Racehorse Sanctuary, visit www.racehorsesanctuary.org