Sandown Park Racecourse is proud to announce the launch of the Community Fund for Elmbridge as part of the racecourse’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025.
The fund will be the focal point for fundraising at Sandown Park in its anniversary year and beyond and has been established in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey, who also celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.
Funds raised can be applied for in the form of grants by charities, groups and community projects local to Elmbridge, with the first round of bids likely to be invited later in 2025.
More specific guidance on the types of causes and projects the fund will look to support locally will be available in due course.
Speaking about the launch of the Community Fund, Sarah Drabwell, General Manager at Sandown Park Racecourse, said: “For 150 years, Sandown Park has been at the heart of our community, and we are delighted to mark this milestone with the launch of the Community Fund for Elmbridge.
“Partnering with the Community Foundation for Surrey ensures that we can make a real difference where it matters most. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have for years to come.”
Rebecca Bowden, CEO of the Community Foundation for Surrey, said: “I’m really delighted to be working in partnership with Sandown Park to deliver a new Community Fund that will help those most in need in the area. In this year of Sandown’s 150th anniversary and our own 20th Anniversary, the partnership between our two organisations will enable us to provide real meaningful support to local people and celebrate the power of working together.”
For more information about the Community Fund for Elmbridge, including how to apply for funding or contribute to the initiative, please visit:
https://www.cfsurrey.org.uk/community-fund-elmbridge
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing Excellence
Sandown Park has also confirmed further details of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
The racecourse will host a series of events designed to celebrate its history and the role it has played in British horseracing and the wider community.
Event one - 150th Birthday at The Brewery (former Headquarters of the first commercial sponsor in UK racing, Whitbread). On 23RD April there will be a small gathering for those who have formed an important part of Sandown Park’s history, including former Chairmen and Managers, key supporters and substantial winners. Party goers will enjoy lunch, great company and a gallop down memory lane.
Event two - The birthday party carries on at Bet365 Jumps Finale on Saturday 26th April. One of Sandown Park’s most prestigious racedays and marking the conclusion of the Jump racing season, we celebrate the top jockeys, trainers and owners of the British Jumps season.
In honour of Sandown Park’s 150th anniversary, this year’s Bet365 Jumps Finale will be an exclusive celebration of the racecourse’s legacy in British racing. Racegoers can expect historic reflections, commemorative moments and extensive celebrations all paying tribute to 150 years of sporting achievement.
Throughout this whole year, all winning owners receive a Silver Birch sapling with a commemorative plaque to take home. Additionally, all Group 1 and Grade 1 races will be marked with the planting of a Field Maple with a plaque at Sandown Park, creating a lasting tribute to the sport and its champions.
Event Details: Saturday 26th April.
For more information and tickets:
https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/jump-finale/
Event Three - 150 Laps for 150 Years
As part of our plan to raise £150k for local causes via our Community Fund for Elmbridge and to mark Sandown Park's 150th anniversary, participants are invited to complete any number of the 150 laps of the iconic Sandown Park racetrack, which will run consecutively over four days, covering a total distance of approximately 400 km in June this year. Open to individuals, groups, schools and organisations, this event offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Elmbridge Community Fund and commemorate a significant milestone.
Event Details: Friday 27 June to Wednesday 2 July, nonstop with a core team ensuring one member is on track for every lap.
Lap distance: 2.7km.
Event Four - Racing Day at Sandown Park with Gallagher.
The event aims to welcome 150 children from local primary schools for an exciting and educational day of hands-on experience for the final day of our 150 Laps Walk on Wednesday 2nd July. The children will have the opportunity to meet and walk alongside Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Horses for Courses Ambassadors Step Back and Coneygree, learn about riding racehorses with attending jockeys and gain nutritional knowledge from Jockey Club Catering.
The day will provide a glimpse into the rich and varied history of the racing world, with additional activities ranging from understanding equine welfare to exploring various careers within the industry.
About The Community Foundation for Surrey:
The Community Foundation for Surrey (CFSurrey) is an independent charitable organisation that inspires local giving to create positive change across Surrey. Working closely with individuals, families, businesses, and organisations, we connect donors with meaningful opportunities to support their local communities. Since our establishment in 2005, we have awarded over £25 million in grants to a wide range of local projects, helping to address key issues such as social isolation, mental health, poverty, and education.
