The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has revealed that UK charities will be rewarded with a share of £1.2 million from bookmaker profits donated from last week’s Royal Ascot.

The marquee festival saw BGC members pledge to donate all winnings taken from Thursday’s Britannia Stakes race, won by 14/1 shot Thesis ridden by Ryan Moore, the victor in a nail-biting finish.

Charities that will share the £1.2 million donation include – the ABF – Soldiers’ Charity, Sue Ryder, Ascot Racecourse Supports Community Fund, The Ivors Academy Trust and Cotswold Riding for the Disabled.

Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “It’s great news that BGC members have once again made such a big donation to a number of brilliant charities.

“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 their continued support”.

The Royal Ascot fundraising initiative was led by the BGC members of Flutter (Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Bet), bet365, Entain (Ladbrokes, Coral), William Hill, 888, BetVictor, Kindred (Unibet), Betway, Rank Group (Grosvenor Sport), Virgin Bet, Tote, Fitzdares and Bet with Ascot.

BGC members have now raised £5.5 million for charity since the group was formed in November 2019 through the Britannia Stakes and the virtual Grand National.

Speaking on behalf of the BGC’s charity recipients, Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have benefitted from the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot this year and want to thank the members of the BGC for their generosity. 

“It is particularly special for us to be chosen in the platinum jubilee year as Her Majesty The Queen is our Patron. 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.”