The Sky Bet Sunday Series is galloping back into action for its fifth year, promising an exciting mixture of competitive racing and family-friendly entertainment. Thanks to a strategic collaboration involving Flutter, RMG, ITV, and prominent racecourses, the series is set to deliver more than just adrenaline-pumping races.
This year, eager attendees will have the opportunity to claim free tickets to any of the six race meetings taking place across the UK from April through September. In total, 10,000 tickets are available, with families enjoying the perk of two free tickets and complimentary access for children, making it an ideal outing for all ages.
The series launches on April 13, 2025, at Musselburgh, with gates opening at 13:30. Other notable dates include Newmarket on May 18, Chelmsford City on June 1, Hamilton Park on June 15, Haydock Park on August 10, and York on September 8. Each event boasts a substantial atmosphere, complete with ITV cameras capturing the thrilling action.
However, at press time, it was noted that all tickets for Musselburgh, Newmarket, Hamilton Park, Haydock Park, and York have already been claimed, highlighting the immense anticipation surrounding the series. The remaining tickets for Chelmsford are available on a first-come first-served basis.
In an exciting new twist for 2025, the series welcomes HorsePWR and Retraining of Racehorses as charity partners. Since its launch in 2021, the Sky Bet Sunday Series has generated over £4 million in additional prize money, and there is a £100,000 bonus for the first horse to win three races across the series—a lucrative incentive drawing trainers' attention.
Jim Goldie, a prominent trainer, expressed his enthusiasm for the series, stating, "Hearing that the Sky Bet Sunday Series is back in 2025 is fantastic news. It's brilliant prize money, and we will be aiming plenty of horses at the £100,000 bonus." Such passion and commitment from trainers are crucial in highlighting the competitive landscape of British racing.
Partnerships like those with HorsePWR and the Retraining of Racehorses emphasize the significance of horse welfare in the sport. Gabi Whitfield, Head of Welfare Communications for Great British Racing, remarked, “It’s fantastic to have the Sky Bet Sunday Series partner with the sport’s HorsePWR campaign. We want to show the public how British racing puts the welfare of the horse at the heart of all it does.” This collaboration aims to bring the stories of retired racehorses to the forefront and highlight the importance of welfare initiatives within the realm of horse racing.
Moreover, the introduction of the Jorvik Shield—a new competition for jockeys—will run throughout the series. It features a total prize pot of £25,000, awarded to the jockey with the most points accrued during the races, with second and third prizes of £5,000 and £3,000, respectively. Points are awarded based on finishing positions, encouraging competitive spirits to soar among jockeys.
Stable staff also benefit from the Sky Bet Sunday Series. A total of £15,000 will be distributed amongst the staff of the top three trainers in the series, with prize amounts of £10,000, £3,000, and £2,000 up for grabs. Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Bet, expressed excitement for the event, stating, “We are delighted to sponsor the Sunday Series once again. We are thrilled to welcome HorsePWR and Retraining Of Racehorses as the charity partner for the series. The racing is always very competitive, and it’s a sponsorship we very much look forward to.”
Among the highlights of each race will also be the £250 award for the Best Turned Out horse, reinforcing the event's appreciation for the care involved in preparing these magnificent animals for competition.
As for ticket reservations, the promotion is open until either seven days before a specific race or until all tickets are redeemed, whichever comes first. Interested participants must be over 18 to enter and will need to provide proof of identity upon attending the event.
In its fifth year, the Sky Bet Sunday Series promises not only thrilling races but also a commitment to the welfare of horses, combining excitement with responsibility. Enthusiasts of the sport can look forward to an invigorating season ahead, with family fun, competitive racing, and a strong focus on the well-being of these remarkable creatures.
