Key Points
- Grand National-winning jockey Patrick Mullins will ride in the Heroes Gallop charity race at Nottingham Racecourse.
- Nine jockeys will compete over a distance of one mile and a quarter on Wednesday, 28th October 2026.
- The event raises funds and awareness for Autism In Racing, an organization that works to make horse racing more accessible.
- Mullins is switching from Jump racing to the Flat for the race as part of his effort to ride a winner at every UK Jump course and visit different tracks.
- Founder Bobby Beevers said the event is necessary because the organization depends entirely on external funding for its programs.
Nottingham (Oxford Daily) October 27, 2026 — Grand National-winning jockey Patrick Mullins is set to headline a star-studded field of nine riders for the Heroes Gallop charity race at Nottingham Racecourse on Wednesday, 28th October 2026. The 36-year-old amateur rider will swap the Jump code for the Flat to support Autism In Racing, an organization dedicated to making equestrian sport more inclusive and accessible.
The contest, which covers a distance of one mile and a quarter at Colwick Park, features nine equestrian personalities raising funds for neurodiversity awareness across the racing industry.
“I’m trying to ride a winner at every Jumps course in the UK, so this is a little side quest. I rode a winner at Chester, and I’ve had two at Epsom as well, so I’ve seen some of the Flat tracks,” stated Patrick Mullins. “I’ll be going there to win, definitely! There will be no soft touches. I might even pull the irons up a couple of holes and try to look like a Flat jockey, but we’ll see!”
Why is Patrick Mullins participating in the Nottingham charity event?
As reported by Nick Seddon of The Jockey Club, Patrick Mullins is making a rare appearance on the Flat circuit at Colwick Park to lend his profile to Autism In Racing. Having achieved notable success over obstacles, including his victory in the 2025 Randox Grand National aboard Nick Rockett, Mullins expressed his enthusiasm for taking on a competitive Flat field.
The event brings together figures from across the equestrian sector, including television presenter Leona Mayor, to generate operational capital for the cause. Every jockey taking part has undergone mandatory physical fitness assessments and actively committed to fundraising benchmarks prior to entering the starting stalls.
What is Autism In Racing and why is fundraising crucial?
Autism In Racing was founded to foster inclusive spaces within horse racing for autistic adults and children. The initiative collaborates with racetracks and industry bodies to establish sensory rooms, deliver sensory-friendly racedays, and increase employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in racing.
“Autism in Racing is incredibly reliant on funding. The bottom line is, without the funding there is no charity, so a big fundraising event like this is critical and I can’t thank everybody enough for their support in getting this event over the line,” stated Bobby Beevers, founder of Autism In Racing.
Beevers further acknowledged the venue’s support, adding: “A huge thank you must go to The Jockey Club and Nottingham Racecourse for their incredible support. These races take a lot of organising and the guys have been there to help me every step of the way.”
Background of Autism In Racing and Nottingham Racecourse
Autism In Racing was launched in 2021 by racing broadcaster Bobby Beevers to improve awareness and education regarding neurodiversity within British horse racing. The initiative regularly hosts designated Autism in Racing fixture days at racecourses across the United Kingdom, offering quiet zones, tailored assistance, and educational resources for families.
Nottingham Racecourse, situated at Colwick Park, has consistently supported community initiatives under the governance of The Jockey Club. The venue provides facilities for both Flat racing fixtures and community-focused charity showcase days, serving as an accessible hub for regional equestrian sports.
Prediction: How will this development affect neurodivergent sports fans and British horse racing?
The inclusion of high-profile riders like Patrick Mullins in charity races significantly raises the public profile of inclusion programs in British horse racing. Elevated visibility for Autism In Racing is expected to drive higher charitable contributions, enabling the expansion of sensory facilities across more British racecourses.
For neurodivergent racing enthusiasts and their families, these high-visibility events provide reassurance that major sporting venues are actively adapting to meet accessibility needs. Increased industry engagement is likely to prompt additional UK racecourses to adopt permanent sensory-friendly infrastructure, broadening access to live sporting fixtures nationwide.
