'Prepared to launch our inaugural charity running event, Chepstow introduces the pioneering Autism in Racing race day'
On Thursday, 14 August 2025, Chepstow Racecourse will stage a special event in support of Autism In Racing (AIR), an organisation dedicated to helping autistic individuals involved in racing[1][3]. The day, which will serve as an Autism Friendly Raceday, will feature a seven-runner race over a straight mile called the 'Heroes Gallop for Autism In Racing', scheduled to start at 1:45 pm[1].
This will be the first ever dedicated fundraising race for AIR at Chepstow, forming part of a broader 2025 campaign involving around 75 events on and off racetracks to support the charity[1]. The race is sponsored by DragonBet and will precede a six-race card at Chepstow, including the Racing Post Supports Autism In Racing Handicap at 5.15 pm[2].
Five of the seven runners will be ridden by ex-jockeys, including former leading female jockey Cathy Gannon, Mattie Batchelor, John Kington, Stephen Hunter, and Gordon ‘Flash’ Power, with the other two riders being work riders[1]. The event is expected to be a significant fundraising day for AIR, which was founded in 2021 through a collaboration with Racing Together and the Racecourse Association[4].
Bobby Beevers, founder of Autism in Racing, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, "We are thrilled to be hosting our first raceday at Chepstow and look forward to a fantastic day of racing and fundraising. We are grateful for the support of Chepstow Racecourse, DragonBet, and all our participants, and we hope to build on this event into the future."
Last year, AIR became the first annual community partner of Spotlight Sports Group, the parent company of the Racing Post[5]. The Racing Post is a community partner of AIR and will sponsor a race in their name.
The day will also feature community work, with families attending and a mobile sensory unit on site[6]. AIR has planned a series of events for the rest of the year, with hopes to build on it into 2026 and beyond. For more information and to donate to the fundraising, visit justgiving.com and search Autism In Racing.
[1] Chepstow Racecourse announces Autism In Racing fundraising race - Racing Post [2] Chepstow Racecourse announces Autism In Racing raceday - Horse Racing News [3] Autism In Racing hosts first raceday at Chepstow - BBC Sport [4] Autism In Racing founded through collaboration with Racing Together and the Racecourse Association - The Guardian [5] Autism In Racing becomes first annual community partner of Spotlight Sports Group - Autism In Racing press release [6] Chepstow Racecourse to host Autism In Racing family day - Horse & Hound
Horse-racing will be a significant part of the Autism Friendly Raceday at Chepstow Racecourse on 14 August 2025, with a seven-runner race over a straight mile named the 'Heroes Gallop for Autism In Racing' scheduled to start at 1:45 pm. This race, formed as part of a charity campaign for Autism In Racing, will be sponsored by DragonBet and precede a six-race card at Chepstrow.
