Betfair raise £250,000 with Rachael Blackmore's Serial Winners Fund

After 140 days, 2 Cheltenham winners and some memorable rides the ‘Rachael Blackmore Serial Winners Fund’ charity initiative ended on Saturday at Aintree.The fund, which began on Betfair Chase day at Haydock Park last November, finished on £210,000 but, in keeping with the spirit of the initiative, Betfair have rounded up the final figure to a cool £250,000.

 The proceeds, which will be divided evenly between the ‘Injured Jockeys Fund’ and the ‘Irish Injured Jockeys’, will go towards redevelopment of facilities and to support vital services for jockeys on both sides of the Irish sea.Charlotte Booth, Chief Commercial Officer for Betfair commented: ‘The Serial Winners Fund has been a fantastic journey for all of us; Betfair, the IJF, Irish injured jockeys and Rachael. Its been a real team effort from the start, and we’ve all been cheering Rachael on.

The Betfair team visited both Oaksey House in Lambourn and the RACE facility in Ireland and witnessed firsthand the work both charities do. It’s nothing short of amazing to see the services and support they provide to jockeys and the dedication of the teams. These are such important charities for the racing community, and I am sure this initiative has raised awareness of these great causes.

Rachael has been brilliant throughout and the highlight must be her two Cheltenham winners, which added £20,000 to the pot.

Rachael Blackmore added:

"The Serial Winners Fund was an incredible initiative run by Betfair throughout the season in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund in Ireland and UK, it’s one that I am very proud to have been a part of. This really is a substantial donation, generously topped up by Betfair, and will support the vital work they carry out helping jockeys in all areas of their lives."

Lisa Handcock CEO of the IJF continued:

"Coming to the Canal turn we thought that Rachel and Minella Indo were going to finish the initiative in the most spectacular way, but I am Maximus had other ideas . It’s been a wonderful campaign for us and we are so grateful to the Betfair team for supporting us so very generously."

Michael Higgins, General Manager, the Irish Injured Jockeys:

"We're delighted to be part of the Betfair Serial Winners Fund with our UK colleagues the IJF. Thanks to Betfair for generosity and Rachael for her winners."