16th May 2005
Coronation Street stars William Roache MBE and Charles Lawson went to the races on Saturday and backed a winner – the Brooke Hospital for Animals. William (Ken Barlow) and Charles, who played Corrie’s Jim McDonald for eleven years, were at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse to support a unique race day in aid of the Brooke, the world’s biggest charity for working horses abroad.
The race day saw the launch of the Brooke’s new national fundraising initiative ‘Courses for Horses’, which is aimed at helping the millions of working horses that suffer most in the world.
Lifelong horse lover William presented the prize of the first race of the day: ‘The Courses 4 Horses Novices’ Hurdle Race’, with Charles presenting the prize for the fifth race: ‘Bangor Races Supports Brooke Hospital Handicap Hurdles’.
William appealed to race-goers to back the Brooke and support Courses for Horses by making a donation or organising their own fundraising event. He explained: “For millions of people in the developing world horses are beasts of burden, the difference between food and hunger, an income and penury and sometimes life and death. All too often this leads to the animals being overworked, suffering illnesses and injuries. The Brooke not only helps animals in need, but teaches that they deserve a good quality of life. I had a great day at Bangor on Saturday supporting ‘Courses for Horses’ and I hope everyone who cares about animals will get involved”.
Charles added: “Money raised by Courses for Horses will help the Brooke extend its reach from half-a-million to five million equine animals that desperately need help in the developing world. There will be another chance to support the Brooke again at Chester racecourse on 7 June and I hope to see a huge crowd there emptying their pockets for the charity”.
Courses for Horses is also being supported by leading racing and equestrian figures including Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE, John Francome, Champion Jump Jockey AP McCoy and world class equestrian champions Pippa Funnell and Leslie Law. Racecourses up and down the country will be holding their own Courses for Horses days throughout May and June, and thousands of people across the country will be raising vital funds through their own individual Courses for Horses events. Members of the public can become involved by requesting a free fundraising pack from the Brooke.
Editors notes:
Brooke’s local Chester supporter group manned a stand at Bangor, and carried out an exit collection. They will be in action again on 7 June at Chester racecourse.
Courses for Horses is being supported by: British Equestrian Trade Association, the British Equestrian Federation, The Jockey Club, British Horseracing Board, the Racecourse Association, Racehorse Owners Association, and all members of the Horseracing Industry Committee, and also The Racing Post, Horse & Rider Magazine, PONY Magazine, Equestrian Trade News,
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