Over 100 guests enjoyed a wonderful, sun filled day at Sandown Park on Friday 13th September, which turned out to be a lucky day for these supporters of GRACE cancer charity. (Gynae-oncology Research and Clinical Excellence). The tote was busy paying out winnings and the successful fundraising raised over £20,000.

The event took place in the Park View Suite, where guests began the lunch with a glass of champagne on the balcony, overlooking the racecourse.

Simon Butler-Manuel, chair and founder of GRACE welcomed the guests, who enjoyed a three-course lunch with wine, followed by seven races and afternoon tea.

The feature race of the day was the ‘Roger Stack Memorial Race’ sponsored by Roger’s sons John Stack and his brother Richard Tice. Roger was a Trustee and passionate supporter of GRACE and was know as a giant in equestrian sports.

Neil Maltby, another long standing supporter of GRACE held a lively auction, featuring some outstanding auction items including, a stay in the 5* Castel Monastero in Tuscany, a day sailing on board a luxury 52’ Skippered Yacht courtesy of disoverIE, a private dinner party at home for 12 catered by Too Many Cooks, and a day for two guests to enjoy full hospitality and to meet Franki Dettori in the Racing Breaks box on Champions Day at Ascot.

GRACE was founded by Simon Butler-Manuel, who leads the Gynaeoncology Surgical team at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford and works closely with the Oncologists in St Luke’s Cancer Centre treating gynaeoncology patients.

Every year in the UK, 21,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, or 58 a day! Gynaecological cancers are not highly profiled and research is underfunded.

The race day raised substantial funds for GRACE, which will fund research and support women across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire

For more information email:

Vivienne Cracknell: vc@cracknellassociates.co.uk

Nicola Pegler nicolapegler@grace-charity.org.uk