Stage set for A Celebration of Willow #2 at Lambourn Sports Club

A day of celebration for Willow

Greyhound enthusiasts will swap formats to whippet racing on Sunday as Lambourn Sports Club hosts A Celebration of Willow #2 in aid of the Alabama Rot Research Fund. 

Despite forecast rain, the event will press ahead with seven live races from 3pm and an abundance of family friendly fun and activities planned inside the club’s hall in memory of Willow the whippet.

Willow’s owner and event organiser Shaun Reynolds made the Alabama Rot Research Fund his charity for life after losing the four-year-old champion racer to the one in a multi-million disease in March 2024.

The 29-year-old hopes to one day help medical experts at the University of Surrey find a cure for the disease which has claimed the lives of 331 dogs in the UK since it was first discovered in 2012.

Bookmaker Adam Crowne will be taking bets on the day via a charity tote. There’ll also be a raffle, bouncy castle, children’s colouring competition, on site food and drink vendors and an after party featuring music from local Irish group The Black Velvet Band.

A silent auction with prizes including tickets to the 2026 Royal International Air Tattoo, a morning on the gallops for four with Jamie Snowden, tickets to Newbury Racecourse, a professional pet portrait, signed racing merchandise and local pub vouchers are up for grabs too. 

“Don’t be put off by the rain,” said Reynolds.

“We’ve transferred everything inside, and organised for as much cover as possible besides the track so people can enjoy the day. 

“One day, I hope the money raised from Willow’s story can help find a cure. That’s my main goal in life now, I guess. 

“Willow’s story epitomises that tomorrow is promised to nobody. So, I urge the greyhound racing community to come out and enjoy a genuinely fantastic day in the company of likeminded people.”

Willow’s story has raised £15,000 for the Alabama Rot Research Fund. 

No reported cases of Alabama Rot have been confirmed within a 40-mile radius of Lambourn since Willow’s death 18 months ago – the first time that has happened since the disease was first identified. 

Shaun added: “I committed everything to keeping Willow alive – my savings, sold my car, everything.

“It wasn’t to be unfortunately. I couldn’t let my experience of seeing Willow suffer with Alabama Rot just pass without doing anything. 

“So this is me, doing something. Hopefully see plenty of you trackside on Sunday!”

Tickets for A Celebration of Willow #2 can be purchased on the door for £5. Doors open at 1pm with the first of seven races off at 3pm. 

Shaun Reynolds with Willow