Towards the end of March, over 50 MPs from the UK Parliament took part in the BGC charity event, placing a £50 bet on the Grand National, with the winnings from Saturday’s race being given to the charities of the MP’s choice. 

The winner of the Grand National on Saturday was the favourite I am Maximus, a horse was backed by seven parliamentarians. 

Some of the causes who benefitted from this charity event included Sir Jackie Stewart’s Race for Dementia, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare and The Fed – a social care charity for the Greater Manchester Jewish Community. 

Even though not every MP won, every nominated charity will receive at least £250 from BGC members such as William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Paddy Power and Betfred.

In total, these donations combined with the winners raised a total amount of £15,115 for good causes. 

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher (soon to become Chair) said: “600 million people from all over the world tuned in to watch one of the best Grand Nationals ever, including millions in the UK on ITV. An estimated 12 million people in the UK - roughly a third of adults - enjoyed a bet on the National showing once again that for millions of us having a flutter is part of our great British culture. 

“I want to pay tribute to all the thousands of people who work in betting shops to help support hard-pressed high streets and local economies. I would like to thank all those MPs who took part for supporting so many fantastic good causes and for taking the time to visit constituents working in betting shops.  

“We had more MPs than ever before, from right across the political divide, ministers and shadow ministers, supporting the BGC and supporting the Grand National. I would like to thank all of our members for once again supporting the initiative.” 

In other CSR news, several British horseracing groups have launched a horse welfare campaign called HorsePWR.

Last week, the BGC announced that Grainne Hurst will succeed Dugher as its CEO.