20 April 2011

On Sunday 1st May, Ellerslie Racecourse will host a glittering Gala Dinner as well as a one of a kind auction to raise funds for the city of Christchurch.

An auction of a different sort, the leading lot will be the ‘services’ of super sire Zabeel, followed by the services of other leading stallions and for the more traditional bidder some rare thoroughbred racing memorabilia.

Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker will be making a special trip to Auckland for the benefit and will be joined by Minister for Racing and Civil Defence, John Carter.

The Gala dinner is the latest fundraising initiative engaged by Auckland Racing Club to support its goal of raising $1,000,000 for the Racing for Christchurch Appeal Fund.

Launched on February 28, the appeal fund has engaged the racing community, with support from trainers, jockeys, racing syndicates and racegoers, with every dollar raised to be donated to selected organisations in their efforts to support and rebuild Christchurch.

Auckland Racing Club CEO, Chris Weaver is thankful to all those who have come together in support of this event, donating their time, expertise and prized possessions to support the people of Christchurch.

“Guests attending the Racing for Christchurch Gala Dinner at Ellerslie will be treated to a fabulous evening of food, wine and entertainment, knowing that everything has been donated for this good cause. The support for the event has been amazing and the racing community has pulled together and shown their generosity,” says Weaver.

Alongside Zabeel, the auctioneer will be selling services from other top stallions including Starcraft, Mastercraftsman, Pentire and Rip Van Winkle.

The auction also includes racing memorabilia, including racing colours from the world’s current top rated thoroughbred racehorse, Black Caviar. The colours are from her Newmarket Handicap win at Flemington on March 12, her 10th win from 10 starts. She has since gone on to win another two races and remains unbeaten.

ENDS

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