Armed forces to receive free tickets to racing's marquee events

Armed Forces personnel will once again be able to get free tickets to racing’s crown jewels after all 60 racecourses signed up for the Tickets For Troops scheme for the second year.

Tickets are on offer for events such as Royal Ascot, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, the William Hill St Leger Festival and Cheltenham’s November Meeting.

Since the scheme launched in 2009 British Racecourses have donated over 70,000 tickets to the scheme, which allows those employed in the armed forces to attend some of British racing’s marquee days.

This will be the second year all 60 courses have signed up for the scheme.

“This is fantastic news from the BHA which has been a very generous supporter of Tickets For Troops since launch,”Lord Marland, Chairman of Tickets For Troops, said.

"The geography of racecourses throughout the UK means that troops and their families from all corners of country can enjoy a great day out in recognition of their efforts in keeping us safe and secure.”

The Tickets For Troops scheme in racing is an extension of the already wide-ranging and impactful work that all racecourses do to help their communities.

“It’s fantastic that all 60 racecourses are supporting this important and well received scheme allowing racing to show our appreciation in a small way to the men and women who serve our country,”Will Aitkenhead, Communications Executive at the Racecourse Association, said.

“We look forward to welcoming lots of the troops and their families to racecourses this year.”

The Tickts4Troops website offers members of the Armd Forces tickets for sport, music, theatre and comedy.