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News • August 11th, 2026
|On Tuesday, 11th August 2026, Ripon Racecourse will host the much-anticipated Great St Wilfrid Day, with a special focus on raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. This year, leading bookmaker William Hill continues its long-standing partnership with the charity, aiming to surpass the impressive £500,000 milestone for money raised since the collaboration began. Excitement is building as the event promises thrilling races and a chance to support a vital cause.
Partnership With MND Association
The Great St Wilfrid Day has become a significant occasion for both William Hill and the MND Association. In 2025, the event raised over £30,000, and this year, the stakes are even higher. William Hill has pledged to donate all profits from the featured races, including the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap and the Silver Cup Handicap, directly to the charity. This initiative not only brings attention to the challenges faced by those living with motor neurone disease but also highlights the importance of ongoing research and support.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, expressed enthusiasm for the event:
“As one of the longest-standing sponsorships in racing, Great St Wilfrid Day at Ripon is always significant for William Hill. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the MND Association after a successful raceday in 2025.”
Races and Special Features
This year's card features five co-branded races, with the highlight being the William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap. Other races include:
Racing For Tamara Ripon Hornblower EBF Novice Stakes
William Hill Supporting MND Silver Cup Handicap
William Hill World Free From MND Handicap
Ashley Smith Memorial William Hill Fillies' Handicap
The Racing For Tamara Ripon Hornblower EBF Novice Stakes is particularly special, dedicated to Tamara, a former William Hill employee living with MND. Her family will be present to award the trophy to the winning connections, adding a personal touch to the day’s events.
Honouring Rob Burrow
A unique feature of this year's races is the bespoke ‘No.7’ saddlecloths, designed to honour Rob Burrow, a beloved Leeds Rhinos legend and patron of the MND Association. Burrow, who has bravely battled MND, has inspired many with his courage and determination. The saddlecloths serve as a reminder of his legacy and the ongoing fight against the disease.
The Importance of the Event
Jo Coker, Director of Income Generation for the MND Association, highlighted the significance of the event:
“We’re delighted to be returning to Ripon Racecourse with William Hill following the success of last year’s Charity Race Day. The event not only raised significant funds to support people with MND and their families but also helped shine a spotlight on the realities of MND and the urgent need for continued investment in support and research.”
Since the previous year’s event, over 2000 individuals have been diagnosed with MND. This stark reality underscores why events like this are crucial. They not only provide immediate support to families affected by the disease but also contribute to vital research efforts that may one day lead to breakthroughs in treatment.
