The racing industry’s efforts to support those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle received a stunning boost after Aquacade dominated the $140,000 Avondale Cup at Pukekohe on Saturday.
After the win, owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay donated their winning stake of $68,000 to a fund being set up by the racing industry to provide immediate frontline relief for those who have been left homeless, predominantly on the East Coast of the North Island.
Trainer Roger James was so horrified by the scenes from the stricken regions, he spent much of Friday night and yesterday setting up a relief fund aimed at assisting racing industry participants to help the victims of the cyclone.
It is just one racing fund, with syndication giant Te Akau also setting another targeting their huge ownership base, and that fund was already more than $20,000 yesterday, with Te Akau matching that with $10,000, while other trainers, jockeys and racing groups have made donations.
But James’ efforts look set to skyrocket and the Cambridge trainer has spoken to Red Cross personnel in Hawke’s Bay and asked how he can get water and supplies directly to those worst affected.