Racing event raises over $109K for Christchurch

Racing event raises over $109K for Christchurch

One of Australasia’s most prestigious harness racing events, the Inter Dominion Grand Final raised over $100,000 for the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal at Auckland’s Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The Carnival, featuring the $800,000 SKYCITY Auckland Inter Dominion Pacers Grand Final, was set to be held at Addington Raceway, but Christchurch’s host club The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (The Met) had to make the call not to hold the event in Christchurch due to the recent earthquake, and the Grand Final was turned into a fundraiser for Christchurch.

The funds from the Inter Dominions were raised through a number of fundraising initiatives including:

• An online auction by Harness Racing Australia of silks that the drivers wore in the Grand Finals which raised $25K.

•A five per cent donation by Harness Racing Australia of stake money earned by Australian Horses in the two Grand Finals, which raised approximately $40K.

•Donations by Australian horse owners of around $30K.

•A top up by Harness Racing Australia bringing the total contribution from Australia to $100K. A cheque was presented by Harness Racing Australia to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker at the Grand Final night.

•Collectors at the entranceways to Alexandra Park collected $4,500 from race goers.

•The NZ Tab contributed $5,000 to the Earthquake Appeal through sponsorship of the Celebrity Race, which was won by Shortland St’s Kimberley Crossman.

• The NZ Tab is also donating five per cent from every bet sold on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the Inter Dominions and the total raised from this is yet to be tallied.

The Met CEO Shane Gloury said he was very grateful to Harness Racing Australia, horse owners, the TAB, and race goers for their generous contributions to help Christchurch. “After the disappointment of not being able to hold this exciting event in our city, it’s a huge consolation that Christchurch will still benefit from the Inter Dominions, with financial assistance that is certainly needed right now, “ Mr Gloury said.

“I particularly want to thank the Australian harness racing industry for its significant contribution to the Red Cross Appeal – this contribution will make a real difference, and on behalf of Christchurch I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude.”

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