Racing industry raises $54k for West Coast

More than $54,000 has been raised by the racing industry for the Pike River Disaster Relief Trust.

The trust was set up after last year's Pike Rike River Coal mine disaster which claimed the lives of 29 men in a series of gas explosions.

Today the New Zealand Racing Board announced more than $54,000 had been raised through the TAB donating 5c for every tote bet placed off course on West Coast racing events during the summer holidays as part of the Racing for the Coast initiative and through a special West Coast Racing Appeal Account for TAB account customers to donate into.

Auckland Racing Club had also donated more than $6000 to the trust.

Racing for the Coast, led by leading race caller Tony Lee, saw a series of racing events held throughout the West Coast between December 26 and January 15. Owners and trainers from around the country gathered in Westport, Reefton, Kumara, Hokitika and Greymouth to rally support and make the events bigger than ever.

Lee said he was thrilled with the success of the events.

"Its been an especially tough time for the West Coast community so we hope that these events have been a chance for families and friends to get together and have a well deserved day out at the track."

NZ Racing Board chief executive Andrew Brown said it was heartening the racing industry and TAB customers got behind the initiative "and we are glad to be able to support this community through these trying times".

- NZPA