Bookmakers to donate £1.2 million to charity from Britannia Stakes profits

Charities are set to receive a share of £1.2 million from members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) following the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot last Thursday.

Flutter Entertainment, Entain, bet365, William Hill, 888, BetVictor, Kindred Group, Betway, Rank Group, Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot signed up to the fundraising initiative in which they donated their profits from the 30-runner handicap.

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, the Ivors Academy Trust and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled will benefit after 14-1 shot Thesis landed the race under Ryan Moore.

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: "It's great news that BGC members have once again made such a big donation to a number of brilliant charities. BGC members support the jobs of nearly 120,000 people and we are proud to back so many good causes in so many local communities all year round.

"We are also equally proud of the close relationship we have with the great British sport of horseracing. But with crowds back, with millions more watching it live on ITV, and with this year being Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, Royal Ascot 2022 was extra special.

"I'm sure the money we raised will once again make a huge difference to the incredible work done by all the charities involved. I'd like to thank all the BGC members who took part – as well as their customers who enjoyed a flutter on the race – and I'd like to thank Ascot for its continued support."

Ryan Moore: Thesis was one of seven winners for the top jockey at Royal Ascot last weekCredit: Edward Whitaker

Caroline Graham, director of fundraising at Sue Ryder, thanked the BGC for the donation.

She said: "This incredible donation will make such a difference to Sue Ryder. It will enable us to grow the reach of our much needed bereavement services and help us in our ambition to create a society where no one has to face grief or loss alone."

BGC members have now raised £5.5m for charity since the body was formed in November 2019 through the Britannia Stakes and the Virtual Grand National.

Read more:

'Friday was a bloodbath - I've never seen us lose £450,000 on a day before'

Punter goes through Royal Ascot card to win £300,000 from £2.50 each-way bet

Meet the young trainer making waves with a perfect record at Royal Ascot

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday