CHELTENHAM Racecourse will be enveloped in a sea of yellow on Friday, December 10th for the launch of Tiggy’s Trust at its international meeting.

Tiggy’s Trust is a charitable foundation set up in Tiggy Hancock’s memory. The race day will include The Tiggy’s Trust Novices’ Chase at 12.40pm and a sizeable fundraising effort at the course to which 700-plus guests will attend including 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, eventing Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett, and former multiple Irish champion jockey Ruby Walsh.

Tiggy’s favourite colour, yellow, has been emblazoned by equestrians across the world over the past six months to commemorate her short inspirational life and Cheltenham will embrace this theme by ‘turning yellow’ on this day.

Tiggy’s Trust will use the funds raised to assist young people both by offering mental health support, through recognised organisations, to those who need it, and also providing training and education to help young aspiring equestrians achieve their goals. A proportion of the funds raised on the day will also go to the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Pony Racing Authority, two organisations close to Tiggy’s family’s heart and ethos.

Fundraising initiatives

On the day at Cheltenham, Tiggy’s Trust will host a superb champagne lunch in the vibrantly and exquisitely yellow Tiggy’s Tent, one of several fundraising initiatives on the day.

The ‘Yellow Ribbon’ tent will also host a large number of friends of Tiggy’s and the wider community who will come together to celebrate Tiggy’s life and support the event.

Equestrian and racing personalities attending will partake in questions and answers sessions and giving racing tips on the day. The day will culminate singing some of Tiggy’s favourite songs in the Centaur Arena. A limited number of tables, tickets and flight packages are still available with details at https://tiggystrust.com/#cheltenham

Two auctions form part of this fundraising event, the first an online auction which will open on December 1st and close on the day. Full details of all of the exciting lots and how to bid will be made available shortly. The second, a live auction on the day, will consist of a small number of ‘Money Can’t Buy’ exclusive items, and will take place in Tiggy’s Tent conducted by Tattersalls’ auctioneer Alastair Pim.

A Tiggy’s Trust merchandise stand and information point will also be a hive of activity selling a variety of items and educating racegoers on Tiggy’s Trust objectives.

What they said:

Tiggy’s family, incredibly grateful the support and encouragement they have received to date commented: “We are delighted to be welcomed to Cheltenham Racecourse to launch Tiggy’s Trust in memory of our beloved daughter and sister. Tiggy touched the lives of so many in her short life – her golden heart, infectious fun personality and cheeky smile was extended to all who knew her. Despite her young age she had the capacity to reach out and offer positivity to those around her, both young and old, and through the Trust we hope to continue that legacy.”

Ian Renton, Regional Managing Director for Jockey Club Racecourses, says: “We are both honoured and delighted to welcome Tiggy’s family and friends to Cheltenham and will do everything we can to support the launch of this wonderful new Trust in her memory.”

Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund says: “ We feel very privileged to play a small part in this, and hope that we can support Tiggy’s Trust as it launches. We know that involvement with horses and ponies at a young age can foster a life-long passion and increasing the support available and improving accessibility is so important to us.”

Clarissa Daly, CEO of the Pony Racing Authority, says: “We are thrilled to be involved with Tiggy’s Trust and look forward to working with the Trust to ensure Tiggy’s legacy is continued. With the support of Tiggy’s Trust, we will be able to help young equestrians to cope with the pressures they face and help them achieve the same high standards of sportsmanship and positivity that Tiggy lived by.”

For more information, visit www.tiggystrust.com

About Tiggy’s Trust

TIGGY’s Trust is a foundation that was set up in memory of Tiggy Hancock, an all-round wonderful person, talented rider, beloved daughter, adored sister and loyal friend who was taken from this world on June 16th 2021 at just 15 years of age.

It was no coincidence that Tiggy touched the lives of so many in her short life – her golden heart, infectious fun personality and cheeky smile extended to all who knew her.

Despite her young age she had the capacity to reach out and offer positivity to those around her, both young and old, and through the Trust we hope to continue that legacy.

Tiggy’s Trust has been set up as a way of honouring Tiggy’s memory by spreading the kindness, generosity and inclusivity that was an integral part of her personality.

Key objectives

Mental Health Initiatives

Tiggy was known for her exceptional sportsmanship. Whether she won or lost she always took it with a smile, she was supportive to her fellow competitors and had a unique ability to focus on all things positive.

Tiggy truly was a shining example to other young people rejoicing in her winnings but gracious and sanguine in defeat enabling her to take the most from both good and bad days. The Trust aims to develop and nurture in the young equestrian community the same sense of positivity that Tiggy exuded.

Education and training programmes

The Trust is keen to ensure that all aspiring young athletes have access to top class coaches and training facilities. Tiggy, as an elite athlete benefitted hugely from these. The Trust will give particular emphasis on individuals who don’t currently have access to these services.

Top international coaches who were involved in Tiggy’s development as an elite athlete have already generously approached the Trust to offer their services.

Want to go to Cheltenham on December 10th for the launch of Tiggy’s Trust? Check out the packages on offer below

PACKAGE 1 –

Yellow Ribbon tent plus flights

  • Day return flights from Dublin with Ryanair
  • Coach transfer to / from Cheltenham Racecourse
  • Superb days racing in the comfort of The YELLOW RIBBON Tent
  • Mingling with racing and eventing superstars
  • Dance and Sing after racing to Tiggy’s favourite songs
  • €160 per Adult and €140 per U18

    PACKAGE 2 –

    Tiggy’s Tent Gold plus flights

  • A champagne welcome reception, followed by lunch
  • A thrilling day racing and tips from racing’s most knowledgeable
  • A live auction of select and luxury items and much more
  • Dance and sing to Tiggy’s favourite songs after racing
  • Our GOLD package includes all of the above plus return flights with Ryanair from Dublin
  • For €490 per person.

    PACKAGE 3: Tiggy’s Tent Gold

  • This package is the same as package 2 except where you are making your own travel arrangements so flight and coach are not included.
  • €365 per seat

    PACKAGE 4:

    Yellow Ribbon Tent

  • This package is the same as package 1 except where you are making your own travel arrangements so flight and coach are not included.
  • Adult: €35 - Children: €15

    To book, visit www.tiggystrust.com or contact tiggystrust@gmail.com.