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Uniting Against Dementia: partnership highlighted on Ayr Gold Cup Day

The first-of-its-kind partnership between Scottish Racing and William Hill in support of Alzheimer Scotland reached new heights at the weekend, when the Uniting Against Dementia Handicap featured on the racecard during Ayr’s premier Gold Cup fixture.

Launched in April and initiated by Scottish Racing, the partnership aims to raise awareness of, and support for, those living with dementia, while raising important funds for the charity. Raceday staff across the five Scottish racecourses; Perth, Musselburgh, Hamilton Park, Ayr and Kelso; have all attended Dementia Friends information sessions designed to improve understanding of the challenges facing racegoers living with dementia and how to recognise tell-tale signs that may indicate that racegoers are struggling, and how they can provide support.

The William Hill Foundation: Uniting Against Dementia Handicap was won in a tight finish by Waarif, trained by David O’Meara for Middleham Park Racing XLIX and ridden by Danny Tudhope.

Claire Du Preez, Corporate Partnership Manager from Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We were thrilled to be part of the day at Ayr’s premier Gold Cup fixture and want to thank everyone at Scottish Racing and William Hill for all their support on the day and across our partnership. Our new Dementia Friends from the Scottish Racing community have all committed to making the small but vital changes that will help people with dementia to feel understood and valued in our communities. This is a crucial step towards building a dementia-friendly Scotland, where nobody should face dementia alone.”

The national dementia charity Alzheimer Scotland, whose strapline is ‘Making sure nobody faces dementia alone ’ had information in the racecard, and a rug embroidered with the partnership logos was presented to connections of the winning horse.

The charity also raised and amazing £2,100 from donations from generous Ayr Gold Cup customers at the Race Course.

To further increase this fundraising total, the unique tartan rug is due to be raffled off to benefit Alzheimer Scotland – details and bidding information can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scottishracing


If you have any questions about dementia or about support in your local area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-Hour Freephone Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit www.alzscot.org.