This autumn, a group of people we support and staff were delighted to be the guests of Autism in Racing and Haydock Park for a day at the races!

Open to people we support from across our services, our group headed over to the racecourse near St Helens in cars and a minibus to experience the thrill of live horse racing – some for the very first time.

We were met at the gates by Gaz Leonard, our representative from Autism in Racing, who would look after us on the day and explain anything we needed to know about attending a live horse racing event.

Autism in Racing is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) set up to support and encourage autistic people to enjoy horse racing as spectators or employees.

Gaz showed us to our balcony suite, kindly provided by Haydock Park, from where the people we support could have a base to watch the races, or retreat inside to relax. 

Inside the people we support had access to sensory toys and activities like wordsearches and colouring-in to enjoy between races. There was also free tea, coffee, water, and snacks laid on by the racecourse. 

Autism in Racing aims to help autistic adults and children take part in social and supporting activities relating to horse racing across the UK; linking in with courses around the country to make a day at the races accessible and enjoyable to autistic people and their families.

This was our second year of taking a group to Haydock with Autism in Racing, and once again Gaz had organised a little tour of the racecourse. This year we got to go inside some of the main buildings including the Weighing Room and the Medical Room. We also saw some of the stabling areas before walking out onto the course.

We headed for the centre of the course and everyone enjoyed having their photos taken by the finishing post with the majestic main stands behind us.

Then it was time to head back to our room and watch the action. We enjoyed an afternoon of flat racing, with some of the people we support having a little flutter on the horses, and some enjoying a successful day, backing a few winners!

Everyone had a brilliant time, and a day to remember. We certainly hope to link up with Autism in Racing and Haydock Park again soon. Huge thanks to everyone who made this fantastic event happen!