Chelmsford City Racecourse Supports Gay Kelleway’s Ukraine Mission

Chelmsford City Racecourse was delighted to step in to support Gay Kelleway’s rescue and fund-raising efforts for horses affected by the war in Ukraine. In the initial stages of the campaign the racecourse donated 40 bales of shavings to the cause.

Along with much needed supplies, such as feed, bedding and medication, Gay has also been collecting financial donations and has set up a Just Giving page, which has already raised more than £11,000.

Last week the Newmarket trainer completed a near 2,000-mile round trip in her horsebox in order to transport supplies to an equine rehabilitation hub on the border between Poland and Ukraine. With funds raised she also plans to help with the efforts to transport abandoned horses across Europe to be reunited with their owners.

Speaking to the Racing Post while on her way back from Poland last week, Gay said: “It’s horrendous. Horses have been so good to me in life, without them I’d be nothing. I felt I had to do something, and what I saw today was heartbreaking. It’s awful.

“Me and Neil Carson, my co-driver, were going to stay but we were told we would be of more help going back and getting more supplies to keep it going to bring horses back next week. It isn’t getting better this war, in fact it’s getting far worse.

“This isn’t a holiday, this is a mission. We want to get back there as soon as we can to help the horses and everyone. Please contact me if you have anything you can donate towards helping the horses.”

Andy Waitt, Clerk of the Course at Chelmsford City Racecourse, said: “Gay is doing an amazing job and we are proud to support her.”

Details of how to make a donation to the campaign via JustGiving can be found here.