Race Night Service
An entertaining evening of video horse racing for charities, clubs, community groups, corporate events and private functions — with the equipment, hosting and practical guidance needed to make the night run smoothly. Based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, we provide race nights throughout Yorkshire, County Durham and the North East.
A complete race night service
Ron and Hazel are experienced Race Night hosts and have provided race nights for charities, clubs, community organisations, companies and private events. A race night can be a lively fundraiser or simply an enjoyable piece of entertainment for a wedding, company or social event.
Pre-recorded horse races are projected onto a large screen. Guests choose a horse, place their bets through the tote and then cheer it home. The result of each race is unknown until the film is shown, which keeps everyone involved.
We help you plan the evening
A successful race night starts before the doors open. We are happy to explain how the system works and help organisers think through horse ownership, race sponsorship, advance sales, the tote, raffles and the running order.
On the night we bring the race films, projection equipment, screen, sound system, microphone and tote materials required for the racing. Ron hosts the evening and keeps the races moving, while Hazel can assist with the technical side and tote operation.
Jolly Good Productions has been providing professional entertainment since 1990.
Suitable for
- Charities and good causes
- Football and sports clubs
- Village halls and community groups
- Pubs and social clubs
- Young Farmers and similar organisations
- Corporate social events
- Weddings and private celebrations
Thinking about running a race night?
Tell us the date, venue, type of organisation and whether the evening is for fundraising or entertainment. We can explain the options and provide a quotation.
Request a QuotationSeveral ways to raise money
The tote on the night is only one part of a well-planned fundraising race night. Organisations can also raise money before and during the event in several ways.
Sell the horses
There are normally eight horses in each race. Supporters can buy ownership of a horse in advance and give it a name.
Race sponsorship
Local businesses or supporters can sponsor individual races, creating another source of income before the event begins.
Side bets
A Tri-Cast or similar advance competition can add another fundraising opportunity.
The tote
Guests place bets on each race during the evening. The organiser decides the stake and payout arrangements.
Raffle
Many organisers use the interval for a raffle or another simple fundraising activity.
Final-race auction
An auction connected with the final race can add fun and another opportunity to raise money.
Important: The amount raised depends on attendance, advance sales, sponsorship, costs and how the event is organised. We can share practical ideas from our experience, but we don't promise a particular fundraising return.
Cash betting and fundraising
If your event involves real-money betting, the organising body is responsible for making sure the event is run in accordance with the rules that apply to its particular circumstances. We provide the Race Night entertainment, equipment and practical guidance, but the organiser remains responsible for the fundraising arrangements.
A race night doesn't have to involve real-money betting
For corporate events, weddings and social occasions, a race night can be run purely for entertainment. Guests can receive pretend money to place their bets and prizes can be awarded to the individual or team finishing with the largest total.
A shorter programme — for example around six races without a long interval — can keep this type of evening moving. Organisers can also personalise the race card with names connected to their guests, customers, colleagues or event.
Fundraisers, clubs and social events
Genuine photographs from Jolly Good Productions race nights.
Frequently asked questions
How does a race night work?
Pre-recorded races are shown one at a time. Guests select a horse and place their bets through the tote before each race. The race is then shown and winnings are dealt with according to the format agreed by the organiser.
How many races are there?
A traditional fundraising evening commonly uses eight races. For a corporate or purely social event, a shorter programme can be more appropriate.
Do you provide all the equipment?
We provide the racing and presentation equipment, including projection, screen, sound and microphone, together with the materials needed to operate the tote. We will confirm the exact requirements when booking.
Do we need helpers?
Yes. A good team of organisers or volunteers makes a big difference, particularly for selling tickets and running the tote efficiently. We can advise on staffing.
Can it be used simply as entertainment?
Yes. Pretend money and prizes can be used instead of cash betting, making the format suitable for corporate events, weddings and social evenings.
Can you advise us on fundraising?
Yes. We can explain the different opportunities such as horse ownership, sponsorship, side bets, raffles and the final-race auction, based on our experience of running race nights.
What do you need for a quotation?
Please tell us the date, venue or postcode, approximate number attending, type of organisation and whether the event is intended primarily for fundraising or entertainment.
Plan your race night.
Tell us about your event and we'll help you choose the most suitable format.