Watch Marc Ellis Go Under The Hammer

Watch Marc Ellis Go Under The Hammer

Marc Ellis was used to performing under pressure on a rugby field, but tomorrow he may be feeling a little nervous, as the public decides how much his artistic ability is worth.

A life-size fibreglass horse, named On Your Marcs that Ellis has painted in support of CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, will go under the auctioneer’s hammer at Ellerslie Racecourse tomorrow afternoon, with all proceeds from the sale benefiting the Trust.

Painted in gold to symbolize winning and fittingly accessorised with a saddle donated by champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan, On Your Marcs is one of 18 fibreglass horses which have been painted by talented New Zealand artists, in support of their chosen charities.

The auction brings Ellerslie’s Resene Fastest Art Exhibition to a close on the final day of Auckland Cup Week. It coincides with the close of 17 Trade Me auctions, through which the other 17 artists are raising money for their charity partners.

To date, more than $47,971 has been raised via Trade Me and interested bidders still have until 2.00pm on Saturday to add to this total.

Two charities have already received a boost to their funds, through challenges set by the Auckland Racing Club.

Starship Children’s Hospital will receive a $5,000 donation from Auckland Racing Club for having the most “liked” horse on Facebook. Each horse had its own Facebook page and Lucy Lawless’ horse Argo, which she painted for Starship, won the popularity vote with support from fans as far away as Scotland.

Billy Apple also won a donation from Auckland Racing Club for his charity, New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust, for drawing the winner of the Telecom New Zealand Derby last Saturday. New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust receives a $9,000 sponsorship and hospitality package.

Some of the 18 talented artists and representatives of their charities will be oncourse at Ellerslie tomorrow to celebrate the success of Ellerslie’s Resene Fastest Art Exhibition.

They will be joined by a 19th horse, painted red and black for Christchurch, with a money slot located in its back. This giant moneybox has been oncourse at Ellerslie all week, collecting donations for the people of Christchurch through Auckland Racing Club’s Racing for Christchurch Appeal Fund.

Gates open for Diamond Day at 10.30am with the first race at 12.40pm.

ENDS

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