RACEGOERS helped raise funds for a good cause in the company of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Ascot Racecourse hosted The Prince’s Countryside Fund Raceday on Friday and Prince Charles was in attendance to unveil a bronze horse statue.

Celebrating his recent 70th birthday, he met supporters, ambassadors and beneficiaries of his Countryside Fund throughout the day.

Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer at Ascot Racecourse, said: “We are proud to support this invaluable charity, which was set up in 2010 by HRH The Prince of Wales to help secure a brighter future for those in need in rural Britain.

"In its short history, the Fund has provided some £9m to 225 projects, helping rural communities across the UK.”

Initial estimates suggest that over the last four years over £1.3m, making the Ascot event the biggest fundraiser in The Prince’s Countryside Fund calendar.

The monies will go towards their practical work in securing a brighter future for farms and rural communities across the UK.