Utalkintomeboy will be running in the Simon Earle Racing Charity Race in aid of Racing Welfare on Sunday 26th February at Larkhill Racecourse. 

Utalkintomeboy, aka Ron is back again in 2023 to race for his very last time on the 26th of February 2023 to raise money for Racing Welfare!

I feel very excited to announce that Ron will be back doing what he loves despite the fact that he was 8th out of 9 runners in the last Simon Earle Racing Charity Race in 2022. Albeit, Ron's racing career wasn't that of a Grade 1 winner; but he is now my horse of a lifetime and wins my heart everyday (yup, even when he comes in with 3 shoes). In the past year since being 'retired' Ron has become the ultimate allrounder, there isn't much I haven't tried to do with him ... and yes, that includes sledding on a homemade sledge. He is a favourite wherever we go and is not one to go un-missed. If you know me, you know how much Ron means to me and how grateful I am to be able to ride Ron in his final race. 

Let’s be honest, working in the equine industry isn’t for the faint hearted… With long hours, low pay and the British weather to contend with, it can be hard to work in the industry, but the horses really make it all worthwhile. Whether you agree with racing or not, the one thing we can all agree on is how hardworking and dedicated racing staff are. It is not just their occupation, but their passion. Racing Welfare supports all staff in the racing industry, from helping with housing and energy grants, to careers and training advice. Not to mention a 24/7 support line, which gave over 10,000 individual support sessions in 2020. Racing Welfare’s impact doesn’t just stop at making you smile, it provides homes for current and ex-racing staff, supports injured staff that can’t afford their bills, helps people’s dream jobs become a reality, and most importantly there is always someone to talk to when you feel alone.

Ultimately, I really wish that more industries realise how vital charities like Racing Welfare are to their staffs wellbeing and how that follows to impact on the horses wellbeing. I hope that in the future the equine industry won’t be known for its hard labour and low pay, it will be known for the support the industry provides.