Staff member Jack takes on 100-mile challenge for our charity
September 7, 2026
No Comments
Read More »
It may have been the start of autumn, but Haydock Park had a warm and welcoming feel as we rolled up to spend a day with Autism in Racing.
This is the third year we’ve been the guests of the not-for-profit organisation, set up to support and encourage autistic people to enjoy horse racing as spectators or employees.
It was good to see the familiar face of Gaz Leonard, too, Autism in Racing’s expert host. Gaz’s main job is a horse-racing commentator for bookmakers, and this – combined with a background in teaching – makes him an excellent person to show us around the course and explain the ins and outs of the racing itself.
Having arrived at the course for a noon start, everyone who wanted to was invited to go behind the scenes with a look at the Weighing Room, Paddock and Stables. Next, a rare chance to step onto the racecourse itself – crossing into the centre of the track to learn more about the course reservoir, photo-finish cameras, and get some great group photos with the stands in the rear.Â
We returned to our balcony suite, from where we had wonderful views of the track and finishing line. It was the perfect vantage point to enjoy the seven flat races of the afternoon, with the option to stay inside and watch the race on the TV if we preferred.
Gaz had come prepared with sensory toys left on the tables in our suite, plus optional activities like wordsearches and colouring-in to enjoy between races. The racecourse laid on free tea, coffee and soft drinks, too.
New experiences
Some of the people we support were new to racing and enjoyed having a few small bets on the races. It was certainly a good day for the favourites and many of our group went home happy with some wins under their belts and a little spare cash in their pockets!
For the last race, Gaz encouraged us all to head down to the finishing post to get the full sensation of the race, hear the excitement of the crowd, and feel the horses’ hooves as they gallop by.
It was a fantastic experience for everyone; staff and people we support alike saying how much they enjoyed their afternoon. Just a shame nobody backed the 80-1 horse that somehow won the final race!
Massive thanks to Autism in Racing and Haydock Park for inviting and looking after us so well on the day, especially Gaz for all his insight and assistance. Thanks also to all the staff and people we support who came along and made the day such a memorable one.
Find out more
If you want to find out more about Autism in Racing, head over to their website (www.autisminracing.com). They are regularly running events across the country to help autistic adults and children take part in activities relating to horse racing, while linking in with courses to make a day at the races accessible and enjoyable to autistic people and their families.Â
Sign up to get all the latest news, events and stories from the people we support…
By subscribing to our newsletter, you consent to us periodically sending you emails.Â