Funding
Recognising it's collective responsibility for the welfare of horses that have raced or been in training, the British racing industry provides the core funding for RoR.
Current funding
RoR’s work is supported through contributions from across the racing industry, either automatically via the Rules of Racing, overseen by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), or by annual agreement.
The largest source of funding comes from racehorse owners, with additional contributions from British racecourses, breeders, trainers, the Point-to-Point Authority, jockeys, sales companies, and in-kind support from the BHA.
RoR has also secured significant grant funding for specific projects—particularly those focused on welfare and education—from the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Racing Foundation, and the John Pearce Foundation. Smaller grants have also been awarded by organisations such as The Childwick Trust, Kairos Philanthropy, and the Trevor Hemmings Foundation.
In addition to industry funding, RoR receives generous support from individuals and companies, including donations, legacy gifts, and income generated through our own fundraising website, events and campaigns. Membership fees from owners of former racehorses entering RoR classes and competitions also contribute, helping to cover administration and event costs.
You can see how our core funding is spent in our quarterly funders reports.
Past funding
In 2001, a year after it was awarded charitable status, RoR was privileged to receive a bequest of $3.5m from the estate of Paul Mellon, the owner of Mill Reef (the 1971 Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner) and countless other good racehorses. This sum is required to be invested, with RoR able to draw down up to 5% of the total value on an annual basis.
RoR was also fortunate to be among the charities that in 2007 benefitted from the sale of the Racing Post by Trinity Mirror. Part of the deal, as requested by Sheikh Mohammed in return for transferring the licence to use the Racing Post trademark, was a donation of £2.5m to each of four charities, one of which was RoR.
The remarkable generosity of Paul Mellon and Sheikh Mohammed, as well as other donors, helped place RoR on a firm financial footing.