Two Harrogate charities in running to win £20k in Sky Bet community sweepstake
Harrogate’s Horticap and Open Country are in the running to win up to £20,000 in the Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake 2026.
The horticultural charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities, and Open Country, which helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, are among 22 Yorkshire-based shortlisted charities, foundations and community groups set to take part.
Sky Bet has partnered with York Racecourse for the Community Sweepstake, where each shortlisted charity will be assigned a stall number and paired with a horse competing in the Sky Bet Ebor. The pairings will be unveiled during a live televised draw on Thursday, August 20, ahead of the highly anticipated raceday on Saturday, August 22.
The organisation matched to the winning horse will be awarded a £20,000 grant to support their cause, while the charities matched with the second and third place horse will receive £5,000 and £2,000 respectively. All shortlisted organisations will receive a minimum £1,000 contribution towards a designated project or initiative.
The shortlist represents a diverse range of causes, involving charities such as Barnsley FC Community Trust, Cultural Connections York CIC, Help 4 Homeless Veterans, Kirklees Theatre Trust and Street Angels York.
James Brennan, head of marketing and sponsorship at York Racecourse, said: “The hardest part of running the sweepstake each year is narrowing down the applications to our final shortlist, especially with so many incredible causes applying. It’s wonderful to see applicants from across Yorkshire represented again this year and the final 22 are a great reflection of the amazing work happening across the county. With the Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake just around the corner, we can’t wait to celebrate every one of these deserving bodies.”
Michael Shinners, head of sports PR at Sky Betting and Gaming, added: “It’s been great to see the number and quality of applicants again this year, and we’d love to include everyone. Choosing the final 22 has been challenging, but we’ve got a good mix involved this year, and we’re eager to see them all take part. We wish them all the best of luck for raceday on August 22.”