evoke plc, one of the world’s leading betting and gaming companies and the operator of William Hill, 888, and Mr Green, is proud to announce that William Hill will host a Charity Race Day at Ripon Racecourse on Saturday 16 August 2025 in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
Ripon Racecourse is William Hill’s longest-standing partner, with a relationship spanning over 30 years, making the racecourse’s flagship fixture of the season the perfect stage for this fundraising initiative. The Charity Race Day builds on the success of evoke’s Charity Gala in Leeds last year, which raised £117,000 for the MND Association, and forms part of the Company’s wider £400,000 fundraising commitment to the charity.
Five sponsored races will be renamed with MND-themed titles, including ‘The Racing For Tamara Ripon Hornblower’, dedicated to Tamara, the niece of William Hill Retail Operations Manager Leisa Byers, who is living with MND. Tamara’s parents will attend to present the prizes. In tribute to rugby league legend Rob Burrow, horses wearing the number 7 will race with specially designed Rob Burrow-themed saddle cloths, honouring his courageous fight against the disease.
The day’s feature major race, the Great St Wilfrid Handicap, will be broadcast live on ITV. Profits from the race will go directly to the MND Association — along with all profits from William Hill’s retail and online channels on the day.
On course, 50 MND Association volunteers will lead fundraising activities throughout the day. Guests will also include the family of the late jockey Steve Jobar, winner of the 1980 Triumph Hurdle, who sadly passed away from MND in 2024.
Ben Wright, Director of ESG and Sustainability at evoke plc, said:
“We are really excited to be supporting our partner charity, the MND Association, through our race day at Ripon. Our partnership with Ripon dates back over 30 years and is our longest sponsorship, so to combine that with a fundraiser makes it extra special. It's great to be hosting colleagues, members of the MND community and representatives of the charity. Here's hoping for a good result in the race to bank a good chunk of cash for the charity! If you, your friends or family are having a bet on Saturday, make sure to have it with William Hill to help support the MND Association."
Jo Coker, Director of Income Generation at the MND Association, said:
“Through our exciting partnership with William Hill we’re delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in this prestigious race day, one of the biggest in the racing calendar. With the support of William Hill the Association will be able to raise awareness of MND among thousands of racegoers, as well as vital funds which will do an enormous amount to help support people living with MND and their families while also funding important research. We’re incredibly grateful to the team at William Hill for choosing the Association as its Charity partner this year – together we will continue to fight for a world free from MND.”
