Racing: NZRB kicks in to raise money for West Coast

Racing for the Coast will aim to raise money for the West Coast community after the devastation and loss of their 29 miners in the Pike River tragedy. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

The New Zealand Racing Board (TAB) will donate to the West Coast community 5c for every off-course tote ticket bought on the seven race meetings being held in the region in the coming weeks.

The move, which has the support of the three racing codes, is part of Racing for the Coast, an initiative by leading race caller Tony Lee which aims to deliver a series of events over summer that will raise funds for the West Coast community in the wake of the Pike River Mine disaster.

Lee is asking the racing industry to support the West Coast by making the race meetings in Westport, Reefton, Kumara, Hokitika and Greymouth from December 26 to January 15 bigger and better than ever.

He is inviting owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the country to race at the meetings, as well as arranging entertainers and special guests to participate in the events.

John Kenny, of Majestic Horse Transport, and Australians Graeme and Linda Huddy have agreed to subsidise the transport of horses to the West Coast events, and Dunstan Feed has donated feed for all horses that race at events on the Racing for the Coast circuit.

"The more the racing industry can do to make these events as big as possible, the more it will benefit the West Coast," Lee said.

"Racing is embedded in the culture of the West Coast and we hope that we can deliver some great events for West Coasters to enjoy, and raise money for them at the same time."

The TAB has also established a special West Coast Racing Appeal TAB account for customers to donate to. All funds raised through these means will be donated to the Pike River Disaster Relief Trust.

"We hope punters will support the Racing for the Coast meetings," NZRB chief executive Andrew Brown said. "If betting is at a similar level to last year, over $50,000 will be raised for the West Coast community."

- NZPA