DragonBet Partners with Autism in Racing for 2026 Great Big Ride Fundraiser

DragonBet has announced a new partnership with Autism in Racing ahead of this year’s Great Big Ride fundraiser, with the bookmaker pledging to match donations up to £5,000.

The nationwide initiative, which takes place on June 27, encourages participants across the racing industry to ride, walk or cycle any distance to help raise awareness and funding for Autism in Racing’s inclusion-focused work.

The Great Big Ride launched successfully last year, raising £5,000 through support from racing fans, participants and industry stakeholders. Organisers are now hoping to significantly build on that total in 2026 with the support of DragonBet.

Autism in Racing ambassador Jane Buick said the campaign’s second year will place an even bigger focus on visibility and awareness throughout the sport.

“It was a fantastic success in its first year and we had support from people across the country,” said Buick. “This year we really want to give it a big push and hopefully at least double what was raised previously.

“The concept remains the same in that people can ride, cycle or walk, but it is also about spreading the word about Autism in Racing and helping more people discover the free Autism in Racing racedays that we organise.”

Buick also highlighted the natural connection between the organisation and DragonBet, whose Co-Founder David Lovell has personal experience supporting an autistic child at race meetings.

“There are connections across the board with DragonBet because David Lovell has first-hand experience of attending racing with his autistic son Freddie,” she added. “That understanding is hugely important because racing environments can sometimes feel overwhelming for autistic children and families.”

DragonBet Co-Founder David Lovell said supporting the initiative was a natural fit for the operator following its involvement with Autism in Racing events last year.

“The Great Big Ride is a brilliant initiative and we are proud to support it this year,” said Lovell. “We sponsored the Autism in Racing raceday at Chepstow last year and it was actually the first race meeting we were able to comfortably attend together as a family.

“That experience showed us just how important initiatives like this are in making racing more accessible and inclusive for everyone. We want to help raise as much awareness and funding as possible, which is why DragonBet will match donations up to £5,000.”

Founded in 2021 by broadcaster Bobby Beevers, Autism in Racing continues to work closely with racecourses and industry stakeholders to improve accessibility and provide autism-friendly raceday experiences across British racing.

This year’s Great Big Ride is expected to attract participants from across the sport as the campaign looks to expand its reach and continue promoting inclusivity within racing.