A new initiative is set to benefit the workforce of British racing as well as provide new opportunities for young people, as well as allow a more inclusive enjoyment of the sport.
The Good Racing Co aims to have eight horses racing for different good causes within a year, with the public now able to buy membership to the latest promising thoroughbred in its stable, Go Go Chicago. The bay gelding is by the highly successful stallion, Shirocco, who has bred many famous winners including Annie Power (a five-time Group 1 winner), Lac Fontana, Minella Rocco, Third Wind and Silver Hallmark.
Over the last nine months, Go Go Chicago has been trained in Cheltenham by O’Brien McPherson Racing, who hope he’ll compete in his first race later this month. He is set to raise funds for Racing Welfare and Racing to School, as profits from membership sales are divided between them.
“We’ve already raised £100,000 for charity through Burrow Seven, which is phenomenal,” said Phil Hawthorne, CEO of The Good Racing Co. “It helped me see there’s a huge potential for racing to raise money for charity. With The Good Racing Co, we aim to redefine racing as an all-inclusive sport that motivates and excites people for many different reasons, especially racing for good causes.
“We believe that there’s more to winning than coming first and we’re looking towards a future in which everybody wins. With our new racing club, when people buy a membership to a horse in our stable, they can share in making a difference and improving the lives of those in need.
“This just the start of what we hope will be a growing movement of racing for good because together we can do good on a grand scale – and have fun along the way.”
Helping racing charities
Go Go Chicago was named by Longborough Primary Schoolchildren after an educational visit organised by Racing To School. Image by Louis Gill for O’Brien McPherson Racing
Racing Welfare supports the workforce of British horseracing, offering professional guidance and practical help to current and retired racing staff, and their families while Racing to School aims to inspire young minds through the provision of free, interactive and healthy outdoor educational events for schools.
“Go Go Chicago is raising money for two highly respected racing charities, and we expect most members to come from the racing world, but our longer-term ambition is to help attract new audiences to the sport as we introduce new horses racing for wildly different causes,” said Phil. “Burrow Seven, through Rob Burrow, introduced Rugby League fans to the world of racing, and we hope to replicate this achievement as we grow.”
Dawn Goodfellow, CEO at Racing Welfare shared her thoughts on the “fantastic” new scheme.
“Membership offers an affordable way for people to get involved with British horseracing, while also helping to give back to the sport at the same time,” she said. “We’re extremely grateful that Phil has chosen to support Racing Welfare and Racing to School with this new venture, and we look forward to seeing Go Go Chicago giving members the combined thrill of racing while making a difference to our industry.”
Go Go Chicago membership includes a luxury welcome pack with a metal annual member’s badge and a lapel pin badge to wear with pride at racecourses, a photo of Go Go Chicago, a car sticker and membership certificate.
Members will also be able to access an exclusive online content hub and regular updates about the horse’s development and the two charities. They will also be given the opportunity to enter prize draws throughout the year to visit Go Go Chicago at his yard and meet with the people that work with and train him every day.
Membership to Go Go Chicago costs £60 per year and all profits are split between Racing Welfare and Racing to School. Visit www.thegoodracing.co to find out more.
Lead image of Go Go Chicago by Louis Gill for O’Brien McPherson Racing
