Racing industry joins disaster relief effort
Sporting organisations are fund-raising across the country this weekend, culminating in the biggest countrywide event at Leopardstown next Sunday, where the first race is off at 12.50pm.
Horse Racing Ireland, in conjunction with the horse-racing industry, will be supporting the GOAL Sport Aid initiative, with collections at Navan Racecourse on Saturday and Leopardstown Racecourse on Sunday.
Sports stars such as DJ Carey, Paul McGrath, Ken Doherty, Denis Hickie and other Leinster and International rugby players, along with TV personalities will join leading National Hunt trainers and riders in collecting money.
The money raised will assist GOAL in the provision of medical care and the distribution of food and household items in South East Asia.
Over €70,000 has already been pledged by jockeys forfeiting their riding fees, the Trainers Association has donated €40,000, Tote Ireland, €20,000, while Leopardstown and Navan Racecourses, in conjunction with Anglo Printers, who print the racecards, are donating €15,000.
The Irish National Bookmakers Association is donating an undisclosed amount to the Irish Red Cross and many other industry bodies have pledged to support the initiative.
John O’Shea, chief executive of GOAL, said: “It’s just another extraordinary example of the generosity of Irish sports people to realise how fortunate they are to be involved in sport in the country.
“As the sports person’s charity, we in GOAL are extremely grateful for the support we are getting from the entire Irish sporting community.
“The Irish horse racing industry has been remarkably supportive and proactive towards our efforts to support the stricken South East Asia region, and for that we express our sincere gratitude.”
Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland said: “Christmas is traditionally a very busy time for racing, but it was put in perspective by the events which appeared on our TV screens on St Stephen’s Day.
“All sectors of the industry have quickly stepped in to support the fundraising efforts to help in some way to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the tragedy.”
The international horse racing industry is also hoping to raise money for victims of the disaster.
The English racing sector has set a target of £1 million for the first six months of 2005 with its ‘Racing to Help’ appeal, with Cheltenham racecourse donating over £9,000, £1 for each paying customer attending racing on New Year’s Day.
The Australian Thoroughbred Racing Industry will be conducting a national fundraising race day on Wednesday, 26 January (Australia Day) to lend its support to the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.
