Operators agreed to donate all profit from the flagship Britannia Stakes to charity, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility. Despite bookmakers incurring a loss when favourite Hayley Turner on Docklands won, they honored their pledge to make a bumper donation instead.
A total of thirteen operators participated in this initiative, including Flutter, Bet365, Entain, 888 William Hill, Kindred, Betway, Rank Group, LivescoreBet, Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares, and Bet with Ascot. The funds raised were then distributed among several charitable organizations, namely SportsAid, the Holocaust Educational Trust, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, SAS Regimental Association, Ascot Racecourse Supports, and Together for Looked After Children.
The Britannia Stakes and virtual Grand National events have collectively raised over £5.9m for charity since the formation of the BGC (Betting and Gaming Council) in 2019. Last year, the Britannia Stakes initiative alone raised £1.2m, thanks to the victory of 14-1 shot Thesis, which resulted in substantial profits for bookmakers.
“It’s great news that BGC members have once again made such a huge donation to a range of good causes,” expressed BGC chief executive Michael Dugher. “I am sure that the money we raised will once again make a massive difference to the incredible work done by all the charities involved. I am delighted that BGC members have now raised close to £6.0m for charities up and down the country.”
Ascot Racecourse chief executive Alastair Warwick also expressed gratitude for the support of the BGC and its members, stating, “We are hugely grateful for the support of the BGC and its members again this year with the Britannia Stakes initiative. Although not a profitable winner, with Hayley Turner winning the race it was still a hugely positive story for racing and the donation agreed by bookmakers will go a long way to supporting these charitable causes, including our own Ascot Racecourse Supports programme.”
