Racing's First Ever Big Society Raceday - a new Betfred Initiative to Support Local Charities, Communities, and Racecourses

MANCHESTER, England, May 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Betfred announces a new initiative to raise money for Charity and to encourage more people to come racing. It will launch racing's first ever Big Society Raceday on the first day of the Betfred Sprint Festival at Haydock Park in September this year. In addition to sponsoring all races on the day, Betfred and the Fred Done Charitable Foundation are donating 5000 tickets to local charities and paying for transport to the course. The Charities have the opportunity to sell the tickets to raise money, or provide fundraisers with a day to remember at the races.

Commenting today, Barry Nightingale, Betfred CFO said:

"We are delighted to announce this new initiative at a time when government is urging business to think of innovative ways to contribute more broadly to society. This works for racing because it helps racecourses reach new audiences, it works for Betfred and it works for our communities and charities in the North West. The idea has already caught the imagination of many charities, one of which I am personally involved in.

Our plan was to announce this, along with a number of other initiatives with racing, after our bid for the Tote was completed. In light of the prolonged public auction, we have decided to bring the initiative forward as we continue to press our case to government. It highlights again our long term support of the racing industry, where we have privately had significant support for our bid. We believe government will welcome the idea, particularly as it seeks effective ways of distributing the 50% proceeds from the Tote sale which it has promised will be made available to racing."

Contact: Mark Pearson / [email protected]

SOURCE Betfred

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