About Us - Funding

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing.

 

RoR’s core funding comes from the Racing Industry through contributions from the different sectors, either automatically under BHA Order or by annual agreement.

Contributors include:

 

Racehorse owners	Racecourses and Point to Points
Trainers and Permit Trainers	Jockeys (professional and amateur)
Breeders	Sales Companies
Bloodstock Agents	Racehorse Transporters
British Horseracing Authority

 

RoR also receives generous annual donations from:

Horserace Betting Levy Board

Weatherbys

Bookmakers including The Tote

 

In late 2001, RoR was privileged to receive a bequest of $3.5m from the estate of Paul Mellon, the American owner of 1971 Derby winner Mill Reef and countless other good racehorses. This sum is required to be invested, with RoR able to draw down up to 5% of the total value on an annual basis.

In 2007, RoR was also fortunate to receive a £2.5m donation following the sale of the Racing Post by Trinity Mirror, as requested by Sheikh Mohammed for transferring the licence to use the Racing Post trademark, which the Sheikh owns.  

 

These magnificent gestures have put RoR on a firm financial footing, and enabled the charity to widen its horizons. In addition, the RoR receives occasional donations from private individuals, and is named as a beneficiary in an increasing number of wills.

Expenditure

RoR’s expenditure helps support the charitable retraining centres: Greatwood, HEROS, Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre and the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre.  In addition, as part of its promotional programme to increase awareness of the potential of ex-racehorses RoR sponsors a wide range of equestrian events.  RoR also runs an education programme to help riders care for and ride their ex-racehorse.

Our Sponsors