Project Promise raced closer to their goal of raising $3 million in three years at Whangarei Racing Club's raceday at Ruakaka.
The Project Promise event on Saturday was a huge success with the Hoedown ploughman's lunch selling out - close to 200 tickets.
It was a tremendous effort from a group of
volunteers who are committed and passionate about this very worthy project.
The event was supported by several sponsors including the major sponsor BBS Timbers Ltd and NZ Ship Repair Ltd who sponsored three of the eight races on the programme.
A variety of country and western themed outfits were the order of the day. Local radio sports DJ 'Tommo' from 91.6More FM was MC and dressed as Clint Eastwood.
BBS Timbers Ltd presented a dress rug to the winner of the feature two-year-old race, won by Little But Fierce trained by Shaun Ritchie and owned by Matakana based businessman Craig Dawson. Second was the Kenny Rae trained Fullavino. Club president John Fairley and trainers Kenny and Lisa Rae joined forces to win the Husband's Heatpumps 1200 with the classy Coats Choice three-year-old Flash Hapi giving him three wins from four starts.
The day was hampered throughout by rain and after race five an exhibition gallop by My Scotsgrey was an opportunity for senior jockey Leith Innes to reappraise track conditions.
Race six then brought probably the most exciting race of the day.
Two locally owned and trained horses battled for supremacy right to the line.
Govind, trained and part owned by Ricky Wells jumped and led the field throughout with the Dean and Donna Logan trained Uncle Shayne catching him as they crossed the line.
A close photofinish had Uncle Shayne just in front.
It was a popular win for owners Shayne Heape, Garry Hannam, Wayne Peters and Donna Logan.
Rapidly changing track conditions caused its own set of problems with the last three races of the day challenging for both horse and human.
Race seven became the final race of the day and was won by MyGoodGrace, which is another very good horse from the Logan Stables.
The Whangarei Racing Club's next raceday is August 5 - The ThankGod It's Friday event has eight races programmed, with the first due to jump at approximately 12.30pm.
