The Great Big Ride 2026
Ride on 27th June. Donate £10. Double your impact.
Get ready to join The Great Big Ride
On 27th June, Autism in Racing is bringing people together across the UK for the Great Big Ride: a simple but powerful way to support a more inclusive future for racing.
This is a campaign designed for everyone. You do not need a horse to take part. Whether you ride, walk, cycle, or create your own challenge, you can be part of something meaningful.
A Simple Idea with Real Impact
The Great Big Ride is built around one simple idea. Take part on 27th June and make a suggested donation of £10 per ride.
This year, your support goes even further.
Thanks to Dragonbet, all donations will be match funded up to £5,000. Every contribution will be doubled, helping us reach more people and deliver more support where it is needed most.
The Great Big Ride is sponsored by Dragonbet match funding.
A £10 donation becomes £20, and together, that creates something far more powerful.
If you are able to give, now is the time to do so while match funding is in place
Bring a Team Together
The Great Big Ride is not just about taking part. It is about coming together.
We’re encouraging you to make this something shared. Bring your family together, organise a group with friends, or create a team within your yard. Trainers, jockeys, stable staff and wider teams can all get involved and take part together.
You might plan something simple or make a day of it. However you choose to take part, doing it together builds momentum and creates a far greater impact.
Who Can Take Part
The Great Big Ride is open to everyone.
Across racing, we are encouraging yards, trainers, jockeys and stable staff to get involved. Beyond racing, we are inviting families, friends, workplaces and communities to take part in a way that suits them.
You might ride out with your yard, organise a group walk, plan a cycle route, or take part individually. There is no set format. The focus is simply on participation.
Bring It to Life
For those who would like to, there is the option to take part in the spirit of the campaign by dressing as a dragon or knight. It can be as simple or as creative as you like.
It is not about performance or competition. It is about visibility, community, and showing support for a more inclusive sport.
Share Your Journey
We would love to see your Great Big Ride come to life.
From training rides in the lead up, to getting ready on the day, to the moment you set off, every part of your journey matters. Sharing these moments helps raise awareness and encourages others to get involved.
Capture your ride, your team, and the people you are taking part with. Whether you are riding, walking or cycling, your story helps build something bigger.
Tell Us Why You’re Riding
One of the most powerful ways to support the campaign is by sharing your story.
We would love you to record a short video telling us who you are, who you are riding for, and why you are supporting the Great Big Ride.
These stories help us reach a wider audience and show the real impact behind the campaign. You can share them on social media or send them to us, and we will help amplify them across our channels.
Collaborate With Us
This is a campaign built on community, and we want to collaborate with you.
Tag Autism in Racing so we can follow your journey and share your content. The more we see, the more we can amplify the message and grow the impact together.
Use the campaign hashtags:
#GreatBigRide2026
#DragonbetMatchFund
We cannot wait to see your photos, your videos, and your stories.
Supporting Autism in Racing
Autism in Racing works to make horseracing more accessible for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and families.
Racecourses can be busy and overwhelming environments. Through autism-friendly racedays, we provide calm sensory spaces, quiet areas, and trained hosts who understand how to support those who need it.
For many families, this is the difference between being able to attend and feeling excluded. Many tell us they would not come racing without this support, and for some, it is their first experience of the sport.
Jane Buick on Why This Matters
Thomas Buick preparing for The Great Big Ride
“As a family, racing is at the centre of our lives, but having Thomas has opened our eyes to how different that experience can be for neurodivergent individuals.
What feels familiar to many can feel overwhelming to others. That’s why the work of Autism in Racing is so important. They are creating spaces where people feel understood and supported, and where families can enjoy racing without barriers.
The Great Big Ride on 27th June is my way of helping support that work. It’s about bringing people together to make racing more inclusive for everyone.
Every person who takes part, and every donation made, helps move that forward. And with match funding in place, the impact is even greater.”
Why Fundraising Matters
Each autism-friendly raceday costs around £2,000 to deliver.
While racecourses contribute, Autism in Racing fundraises to ensure these days can continue and grow.
Funds raised through the Great Big Ride support sensory provision, safe and quiet spaces, trained hosts, and resources that help reduce anxiety and improve access.
With match funding in place, every donation has double the impact.
Take Part on 27th June
However you choose to get involved, your participation matters.
Bring people together, share your journey, and be part of something that is making a real difference.
Support the Great Big Ride
Every donation helps create a more inclusive future for racing.
👉 Donate here
All donations will be matched by Dragonbet up to £5,000.
Ride, walk or cycle on 27th June. Donate £10. Dragonbet will match it.
