British troops can now enjoy a free day out at the races. Some 55 racecourses around the country have joined a scheme pledging free entry tickets for servicemen.
More than 30,000 free tickets will be available to British soldiers, sailors and airmen as part of the Tickets For Troops scheme.
Tickets for Troops is a new and independent not-for-profit organisation that provides free tickets to major sporting and cultural events across the country, donated by organisers.
The tickets are available through a dedicated website to all serving members of HM Forces and all those medically discharged from the Forces since military action began in Afghanistan in 2001.
Fifty-five racecourses — including Aintree, Epsom, Cheltenham, Goodwood and Newbury — have agreed to support the initiative.
Britain’s racecourses have donated tickets to over 800 fixtures. Tickets to top meetings such as The Ebor Festival at York, The St Leger at Doncaster and The Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter are available.
Some courses, such as Carlisle, Musselburgh and Ffos Las, have pledged unlimited tickets to all their 2010 fixtures, while others including Wolverhampton, Lingfield Park, Ayr and Southwell have donated thousands of tickets each.
Children under 16 also go free to all racecourses in Britain when accompanied by any member of the public.
Nic Coward, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “We are very proud to be a part of Tickets For Troops and to champion the remarkable work of our country’s servicemen and women.
“We have attracted an enormous amount of support from racecourses around the country and hope thisgoes some way to recognising the brave work carried out by our Armed Forces.”
For each booking a £1 donation is requested, with all proceeds being donated across various service charities.
Visit: www.britishhorseracing.com/tickets-for-troops/
