Betfair Super Saturday at Newbury to support wounded soldiers

Chance to meet members of the charity Walking with the Wounded 2012 Everest Challenge Team at Newbury Racecourse

A CLIMBING wall simulating the challenging ascent of Mount Everest will be among attractions at a charity fundraising Saturday in February at Newbury Racecourse.

The Betfair Super Saturday event on February 11 will support the charity Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), which raises funds to assist with the re-training and re-education of servicemen and women, both veterans and those leaving the Armed Forces.

The charity is supporting an attempt by five wounded servicemen, to take place in May, to summit Mount Everest and the second race of the day at Betfair has been renamed, in recognition of this challenge, as the Betfair supports Walking With The Wounded Handicap Hurdle (WWTW), to be broadcast live on Channel 4 television.

The programme features seven races while racegoers will have chance to meet members of the WWTW 2011 North Pole and 2012 Everest challenge teams, who will be signing copies of the Walking with The Wounded book, a tale of their North Pole expedition.

Prizes offered at a silent auction will include a private riding lesson with former World Equestrian Gold medalist, Zara Phillips, and a chance to meet Queen's Park Ranger and Scotland striker Jamie Mackie and a shirt signed by Mackie.

Stephen Higgins, joint managing director of Newbury Racecourse, said they were “delighted” to be supporting the cause, adding: “ We are anticipating are highly competitive day of racing, whilst recognising both human and equine heroes and we hope racegoers will whole heartedly join in and support the spirit of the day.