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Bushfire Appeal hits $52,000 mark

Nearly $52,000 has been raised for bushfire-impacted communities across South Australia via a suite of initiatives that comprised the Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) Bushfire Appeal.

The appeal officially wound up at Kangaroo Island Cup Day recently, completing a month-long drive that united the racing community and the broader public – and contributed significantly to key SA relief efforts.

TRSA led the way, donating $500 for each win by a horse carrying a rider wearing the Bushfire Appeal-branded silks at SA racing meetings during the appeal period.

The 19 race meetings produced a total of 20 Bushfire Appeal winners. To complement the silks initiative, SA racecaller Brett Davis pledged $50 every time the top weight was scratched across the month, tallying $450.

In addition, TRSA’s online auction raised more money for the Bushfire Appeal.

The auction featured money-can’t-buy experiences, racing memorabilia and more, thanks to generous donations from friends of the SA racing community. Auction items included include an exclusive lunch and behind-the-scenes tour of Morphettville with former champion jockey Clare Lindop, VIP media experiences, Womadelaide tickets and Adelaide Oval corporate suite tickets.

“It has been heartwarming to see all areas of the racing industry come together in support of this cause,” said TRSA industry marketing manager Michelle Greene.

“The backing we have received in support of our industry fundraising efforts from clubs, participants and stakeholders alike has been truly wonderful and we thank everyone for their contributions, big and small.”

Another major component of TRSA’s Bushfire Appeal was an initiative involving Adelaide training outfit Clarken Racing and the stable’s recently acquired ex-NSW racehorse, six-old gelding High Mist.

Clarken Racing offered a six-month, all-inclusive ownership package in High Mist, with proceeds from the share purchase and all prize-money earned evenly distributed between the owners and the Thoroughbred Racing SA Bushfire Appeal.

Trainer Will Clarken is donating six months of his training fees and 50 per cent of his prize-money share percentage directly to the appeal. High Mist hit the track for the first time for his new trainer at the Kangaroo Island Cup meeting, finishing third and instantly generating more proceeds for our TRSA Bushfire Appeal.

Of the $50,000 raised from the sale of shares in High Mist, $30,607.50 covers purchase of the horse ($27,500), 12 months’ insurance ($1996.50) and transport to South Australia ($1111).

The remaining $18,354 (after GST has been paid), with an additional personal contribution from Will of $1646, enabled an immediate donation of $20,000 to the TRSA Bushfire Appeal.

The Oakbank Racing Club joined the fundraising effort, staging the O’Leary Walker Bushfire Relief Race Day in late January. The day featured a live auction, children’s activities, catering, live music – and seven races – and raised approximately $12,000 for the appeal.

While the auction and jockey silks initiative have now finished, the donation page on the TRSA website will remain open until after the Adelaide Cup to cater for TRSA’s Adelaide Cup stubby holder initiative.

In partnership with Morphettville, TRSA has produced a 150th Adelaide Cup commemorative stubby holder.

The design features last year’s winner Surprise Baby, champion trainer Bart Cummings, who trained four Cup winners, and jockey John Letts, who piloted the equal most Adelaide Cup winners, with three.

The stubby holders will be available for $10 on Adelaide Cup Day, with all proceeds going to the TRSA Bushfire Appeal Fund.

stubby holder

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