Team Forces extends sincere thanks to our sponsors, beneficiaries and military guests who braved rain and flooding to join us at Sandown Park Racecourse yesterday for a Team Forces Gold Cup Day with a difference — the big one being, we had no horse racing!
Although live racing was cancelled, like the Gunners marking their Regimental day, we were determined to go ahead. With no fixed running order, the afternoon evolved organically and, from the Gold Cup Suite overlooking the course, we created something rather special together.
Led by Lamont, he introduced former Gunner and jockey Charlie Lane who opened the afternoon, sharing his experience of riding in Gold Cup races, the discipline required to become a professional jockey and the exhilaration of racing.
Our beneficiaries were much at the heart of the event.
Lt Col (Retd) Joe Winch of Climb 2 Recovery spoke about the impact of mountaineering in helping veterans rebuild confidence and purpose. Aaron Moon outlined his Route 66 cycling challenge, where he hopes to beat the record currently held by an able bodied cyclist. Lexi Chambers shared her upcoming expedition to cross America (coast to coast) using an everyday wheelchair.
Maj Henry Wootton spoke about his preparation for the Golden Globe Race 2026 — a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation demanding exceptional resilience and self-reliance.
From Turn to Starboard, Sally Terry described how their sailing courses helped with rehabilitation and the forthcoming Full Circle Challenge carrying the Invictus Games ensign around the UK.
Heather Sharp of Forces Wives Challenge spoke about the continued growth of the spouses’ community and adventures ahead. We were also pleased to be joined by Heledd Kendrick of Recruit for Spouses, Louise Fetigan of Little Troopers, Polly Marsh of The Ulysses Trust, John Thornton of The Gwennili Trust, Troy Reynolds of Flying for Freedom and Kelda Wood from Climbing Out.
Plus two truly inspiring athletes Jonny Huntington and Sally Orange, who have overcome significant adversity and continue to inspire us with their amazing endeavours.
The afternoon provided valuable time for defence industry partners and military personnel to strengthen relationships and better understand one another’s priorities. We were also honoured to be joined at lunch by the Master Gunner and his guests.
A sincere thank you, as always, to our sponsors who enable these challenges and support the charities and individuals delivering such important work.
And finally well done to Team Boxxe and Team Spectra, the main race sponsors of the day, their actual races may not have gone ahead, but we made sure that a hobby horse one did! A hilarious highlight of the day, and maybe an annual Sandown tradition to continue.
Despite the weather, the warmth and energy in the room were unmistakable. It was a day defined by resilience, partnership and shared purpose — everything that Team Forces seeks to champion.
