Raceday raises record for cancer

The Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday raised $30,000 for the Cancer Society.

The Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday raised record funds last weekend for the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society.

They reached a "whopping" $30,000, breaking the own previous record by $10,000.

The Cancer Society Hawke's Bay manager, Trudy Kirk, said she was amazed by the support from Hawke's Bay Racing and its partners.

"Every year more and more people from Hawke's Bay are going through cancer and with the numbers growing it means we need the extra funding to keep up our service. For them to raise in excess of $30,000 means so much."

The partnership was 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 said he was incredibly proud of the way the industry had pulled together for a third year running.

"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," Mr Castles said.

The TAB also gave a $1000 donation when a horse wearing the Cancer Society silks won
its race. This year three horses crossed the finish line first, so $3000 was donated.

Mr Castles said wearing the Cancer Society colours was becoming a good omen for group one winner Kawi as he was the only horse in 35 years to win the race for a second year in a row.

"Last year jockey Leith Innes showed his gratitude by donating $,000 to the cause and this year the owners pledged $2000."

Gold medallist Hamish Bond and Black Stick Anita Punt were the guests of honour for the day, and the pair helped collect money before sharing their experiences at a Cancer Society volunteers function.

Mr Bond said earlier he was happy he could help raise money for an "incredible cause", as it was something he was very aware of.

"We train in the sun regularly so skin cancer is something that plays heavily on our mind and I think the Cancer Society does an incredible job of spreading this sun-smart message."

Now in its third year, the Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday had raised a grand total of $70,000. "It is a great cause for Hawke's Bay Racing to be involved with and we will certainly look to continue this relationship in to the future," Mr Castles said.