THE RACING CENTRE LTD
Provision of a club and youth centre and other facilities to benefit persons employed in and about the stables and training establishments in Newmarket Suffolk; in the interests of Social Welfare with the objective of improving the condition of life for such persons being persons who by reason of their poverty or social and economic circumstances have need for such facilities.
Latest income
£368k
Latest spending
£317k
Registered
2005
Accounts read
FY2025
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that total income grew to £368,495 from £240,996 in the prior year, resulting in a net income of £41,929. The charity reports that its net assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations, with unrestricted general funds of £197,024. However, the trustees note that fundraising has become increasingly difficult and the charity is entirely dependent on the generosity of others to carry out its work.
What the accounts disclose
Reserves policy: breakeven year on year (held: £197k)
“It is the general intention that the charity should aim to breakeven year on year.” — page 5
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: The Racing Centre Ltd. invoices The New Astley Cafe Limited, a wholly owned trading subsidiary for services. These related to labour £37,567 (2024: £35,247). At 31 March 2025 the net amount owed to The Racing Centre Ltd. was £161,516 (2024: £153,639).
“The Racing Centre Ltd. invoices The New Astley Cafe Limited, a wholly owned trading subsidiary for services. These related to labour £37,567 (2024: £35,247). At 31 March 2025 the net amount owed to The Racing Centre Ltd. was £161,516 (2024: £153,639). During the year ended 31 March 2025, the trustees reviewed the indebtedness of the inter-entity position with the subsidiary and noted that whilst the Charity was committed to the subsidiary's activities as a whole and as an integral part of the overall effectiveness of the Charity's operations, it was prudent to continue to provide for the debt over the short term, totalling £150,837 (2024: £150,837). The necessary transactions are reflected in these accounts. No gift aid donations are currently expected due to the financial performance of the subsidiary.” — page 25
“During the year, The Racing Centre Ltd. contracted with a company under common control of the Chief Executive, John Gilbert, for cleaning services, Commercial Cleaners Ltd. During the period this amounted to charges of £660 (2024: £2,030). The transactions were undertaken at standard market rates.” — page 25
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: The Racing Centre Ltd. contracted with a company under common control of the Chief Executive, John Gilbert, for cleaning services, Commercial Cleaners Ltd. During the period this amounted to charges of £660 (2024: £2,030).
“The Racing Centre Ltd. invoices The New Astley Cafe Limited, a wholly owned trading subsidiary for services. These related to labour £37,567 (2024: £35,247). At 31 March 2025 the net amount owed to The Racing Centre Ltd. was £161,516 (2024: £153,639). During the year ended 31 March 2025, the trustees reviewed the indebtedness of the inter-entity position with the subsidiary and noted that whilst the Charity was committed to the subsidiary's activities as a whole and as an integral part of the overall effectiveness of the Charity's operations, it was prudent to continue to provide for the debt over the short term, totalling £150,837 (2024: £150,837). The necessary transactions are reflected in these accounts. No gift aid donations are currently expected due to the financial performance of the subsidiary.” — page 25
“During the year, The Racing Centre Ltd. contracted with a company under common control of the Chief Executive, John Gilbert, for cleaning services, Commercial Cleaners Ltd. During the period this amounted to charges of £660 (2024: £2,030). The transactions were undertaken at standard market rates.” — page 25
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: The Racing Centre Ltd. provided office space and utilities to the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) which totalled £17,432 (2024: £17,459). NARS is under common control of The Racing Centre Ltd's chairman, George McGrath.
“The Racing Centre Ltd. invoices The New Astley Cafe Limited, a wholly owned trading subsidiary for services. These related to labour £37,567 (2024: £35,247). At 31 March 2025 the net amount owed to The Racing Centre Ltd. was £161,516 (2024: £153,639). During the year ended 31 March 2025, the trustees reviewed the indebtedness of the inter-entity position with the subsidiary and noted that whilst the Charity was committed to the subsidiary's activities as a whole and as an integral part of the overall effectiveness of the Charity's operations, it was prudent to continue to provide for the debt over the short term, totalling £150,837 (2024: £150,837). The necessary transactions are reflected in these accounts. No gift aid donations are currently expected due to the financial performance of the subsidiary.” — page 25
“During the year, The Racing Centre Ltd. contracted with a company under common control of the Chief Executive, John Gilbert, for cleaning services, Commercial Cleaners Ltd. During the period this amounted to charges of £660 (2024: £2,030). The transactions were undertaken at standard market rates.” — page 25
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Trading subsidiary: The New Astley Cafe Limited
“The charity operates a wholly owned trading subsidiary, The New Astley Cafe Limited. The company's principal activity is the handling of routine catering activities at the Centre.” — page 6
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2021)
Total income
£511k
Total spending
£331k
Reserves (reported)
£400k
Employees
16
Trustees
- Amanda Prior
- GEORGE MCGRATH
- HONOURABLE PETER HUGH CHARLES STANLEY
- James Anthony John Beazley
- James Fanshawe
- Jane Buick
- Rev Simon Bailey
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £368k | £317k |
| 31/03/2024 | £241k | £312k |
| 31/03/2023 | £242k | £405k |
| 31/03/2022 | £283k | £362k |
| 31/03/2021 | £511k | £331k |
Common questions
Is THE RACING CENTRE LTD financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that total income grew to £368,495 from £240,996 in the prior year, resulting in a net income of £41,929. The charity reports that its net assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations, with unrestricted general funds of £197,024. However, the trustees note that fundraising has become increasingly difficult and the charity is entirely dependent on the generosity of others to carry out its work. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds THE RACING CENTRE LTD?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE RACING CENTRE LTD as a grant recipient include THE RACING FOUNDATION, THE THOMPSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST, THE ALBORADA TRUST, RACING WELFARE, THE MRS L D ROPE THIRD CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE RACING FOUNDATION | FY2022 | £3.4m | Community Engagement |
| THE THOMPSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £250k | |
| THE ALBORADA TRUST | FY2024 | £125k | |
| RACING WELFARE | FY2021 | £44k | Grant to enable delivery of social and sporting activities to racing's people. |
| RACING WELFARE | FY2024 | £44k | Social and sporting activities for racing's people |
| RACING WELFARE | FY2023 | £44k | Grant to enable delivery of social and sporting activities to racing’s people |
| THE RACING FOUNDATION | FY2024 | £36k | Community Engagement |
| THE MRS L D ROPE THIRD CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT | FY2025 | £15k | Towards the setting up of the Newmarket Pantry. |
| THE HOBSON CHARITY LIMITED | FY2025 | £5k | Community |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport England | 07/08/2019 | £7k | Gym Equipment |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| REARDON SMITH NAUTICAL TRUST | 1 | £164k |
| THE FRANK JACKSON FOUNDATION | 1 | £126k |
| THE CHARLES LEWIS FOUNDATION | 1 | £108k |
| SIR PETER O'SULLEVAN CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £64k |
| THE ASSOCIATION OF SAIL TRAINING ORGANISATIONS | 1 | £56k |
| SIR ROBERT GEFFERY'S ALMSHOUSE TRUST | 1 | £41k |
| The Trevor Hemmings Foundation | 1 | £25k |
| THE CLARE MILNE TRUST | 1 | £22k |
Charities like this
- MARGARET HAES RIDING CENTRE LTD
- KNIGHTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE
- RETRAINING OF RACE HORSES
- HARTLEPOOL UNITED COMMUNITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
- THE ISLAND TRUST LIMITED
- National Horseracing College Limited
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE RACING CENTRE LTD | £368k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| MARGARET HAES RIDING CENTRE LTD | £232k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| KNIGHTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE | £215k | — | 0 | below | — | noted |
| RETRAINING OF RACE HORSES | £1.3m | £120,001 - £130,000 | 1 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| HARTLEPOOL UNITED COMMUNITY SPORTS FOUNDATION | £199k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE ISLAND TRUST LIMITED | £273k | — | 0 | unclear | 11.3% | no doubt |