Hawke’s Bay Daffodil Raceday Raises Record Funds

Tuesday 30 August

Hawke’s Bay Daffodil Raceday Raises Record Funds

Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday has raised more than $30,000 for Hawke’s Bay cancer patients and their families, breaking its own fundraising record by $10,000.

“For Hawke’s Bay Racing and it’s partners to raise in excess of $30,000 this year means so much. Every year more and more people from Hawke’s Bay are going through Cancer. With the numbers growing it means we need the extra funding to keep up our service,” says Cancer Society Hawke’s Bay Manager Trudy Kirk.

Daffodil Raceday is a partnership between Hawke’s Bay Racing, its principal sponsor Westbury Stud, the New Zealand Racing Board and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Hawke’s Bay Racing CEO Andrew Castles says he is incredibly proud of how the industry has pulled together yet again to support the cause.

“With auction items ranging from a share in one of the group one favourites, to a service from a champion horse - the generosity of the people of the racing industry never ceases to amaze me,” says Castles.

Three horses crossed the finish line carrying the Cancer Society colours - each of which saw a donation of $1,000 from the TAB, taking the organisation’s total donation on the day to a whopping $11,000.

Kawi was one of them sealing the first back-to-back win in the opening leg of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival in 35 years.

“Carrying the Cancer Society colours is becoming a good omen for Kawi. Last year jockey Leith Innes showed his gratitude by donating $1,000 to the cause and this year the owners pledged $2,000,” says Castles.

The day was boosted by the attendance of double Olympic Gold medallist Hamish Bond and women’s Black Stick Anita McLaren, who helped collect donations before sharing their experiences from Rio at a special event for Cancer Society volunteers.

Now in its third year, the Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday has raised a total of $70,000 for the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society.

ENDS

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