WRITTEN FOR RACEFORM
While devastating fires ravish through over 12 million acres of rural Australian land, the racing industry has banned together in pledging their support for those in need.
Fires have been burning in New South Wales since September, destroying homes, communities and tearing families apart. 23 lives have been lost due to the ferocious infernos and 6 people still remain missing. It is estimated over 480 million animals have been killed, and a state of disaster has now been declared, the first time in Victoria's history.
A crisis which has not only rocked Australia but also the world, the racing industry has united in offering any kind of support in such difficult times. Including our very own.
New Zealand jockey Jason Waddell has committed to donating $150 to the Australian bush fire relief for every winner he rides throughout the month of January. Waddell, who has ridden 22 winners this season also pledged to donate 5% of his stakes earnings from his win aboard comeback king Julius in the Sistema Railway.
The announcement which Waddell made via his Twitter was the first of it's kind from a New Zealand athlete. This followed the likes of Australian jockeys Tommy Berry and Damien Lane who also pledged to donate $250 from their winning rides throughout January.
Hong Kong based owner Ben Kwok who has a number of horses in New Zealand pledged to donate his prize money earnings for the next 5 months after reading Waddell's online pledge. "Nothing compares to the fire fighters, and my heart is with all the affected families and friends." He wrote on Twitter.
While only one country course in Victoria suffered slight fire damage, a number of racecourses throughout Australia have opened their facilities as refuge for both horses and humans. Some hosting over 100 people who simply have no where else to go. The Magic Millions property in Adelaide has offered space for up to 200 horses needing refuge, while Victoria and Melbourne Racing Clubs have pledged to donate entrance proceeds for their January race meetings to bushfire relief.
Racing New South Wales along with the Australian Turf Club have teamed up to create a number of financial initiatives which will hopefully fundraise over $100,000. This is already on top of over $500,000 in which Racing NSW is distributing to participants within the industry that have been affected by the bushfires. An emergency relief packet has also been created to support trainers, jockeys and stable staff who's income earning has been affected due to race meeting cancellations. A number of race meetings will have donation collection buckets available for racegoers to contribute towards.
On the brink of their busiest week, Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey made an announcement that for every horse sold through their sales, vendors will donate $500. With over 1000 yearlings catalogued within the first three days of the sale, fundraising effort is targeted to be over $300,000.
This announcement was made shortly following a Polo fundraiser held by the Magic Millions in Australia's Gold Coast, which saw Magic Millions and it's sole sponsor The Star Gold Coast both donating $50,000 each. Players within the fundraising polo tournament included the likes of Hugh Bowman, Franki Dettori and our very own Emily Bosson.
A number of trials and race meetings throughout Victoria were delayed due to smoke from the bushfires causing poor visibility. Smoke which seemed to travel over 2000km as Waikouaiti in Otago was blanketed with a thick cloud of smoke prior to their first race on New Year's Day.
While the devastating infernos continue, it is fantastic to see an industry band together on both sides of the Tasman.
Comentarios