British Racecourses and Blue Light Card Extend Partnership to 2023
- British racecourses and Blue Light Card to extend complimentary ticket offer due to phenomenal demand
- All British racecourses, via the Racecourse Association and Racing Together, involved
- Celebratory event to mark 20,000 tickets redeemed in 2022 thus far at Doncaster Racecourse's BetGoodwin November Handicap
British Racecourses and Blue Light Card are delighted to announce an extension of a complimentary ticket scheme for UK's emergency services, NHS workers and social carers into 2023.
Throughout 2022, the Racecourse Association (RCA) and Racing Together have collaborated with Blue Light Card to offer key workers the opportunity to visit the racecourse of their choice. All 59 British racecourses have participated, demonstrating their gratitude towards key workers in helping the country through the difficult months of the pandemic.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback amongst beneficiaries, the RCA Board unanimously agreed that the scheme should be extended into 2023 to allow further key workers to enjoy a fantastic day out, creating thousands of new racing fans in the process.
In its inaugural year, the scheme has been incredibly popular with key workers and has exceeded 20,000 redemptions already. Long seen as the traditional end of the flat racing season, Doncaster's BetGoodwin November Handicap raceday on Saturday 5th November will see an additional 250 beneficiaries enjoy a complimentary raceday with some extra special elements added to befit the occasion.
To view all racedays available to Blue Light Card holders, please visit the website here.
Paul Swain, Raceday Experience & Communications Manager at the RCA, said: "It has been wonderful to partner with Blue Light Card throughout 2022 and welcome so many key workers to the races. The country, and our sport, owes a great deal to these individuals for their tireless work to support each of us.
"The generosity of all racecourses in providing thousands of tickets is a fantastic gesture of thanks. We are grateful for their support, and sincerely hope key workers have had some wonderful days out this year as our guests with more to come in 2023."
Lucy Gurney, Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together, added: "We're so proud of British racing's enthusiasm to say thank you to key and emergency workers through Blue Light Tickets. To be celebrating 20,000 free tickets taken up through the scheme in year one is a testament to the generosity of racecourses and the popularity of racing as a day out for fans, new and returning. We look forward to continuing this collaboration for years to come."
Rachel Harwood, Executive Director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: "Doncaster Racecourse is always very happy to welcome guests from the Blue Light Card scheme, who do such an excellent job for the community. It is very special to hit such a landmark number of visits to racecourses across the country, and we look forward to celebrating that on BetGoodwin November Handicap Day"
Tom Dalby, Blue Light Card Chief Executive, said: "As our members continue to go above and beyond to keep our communities healthy, safe and supported - we are pleased to work alongside Racecourse Association (RCA) and Racing Together, to offer complimentary tickets for our members, and their families, to enjoy. We are delighted that the partnership will continue into 2023."