Their fund received an enormous boost on Saturday when Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay donated their entire winning stake from Aquacade’s victory in the Avondale Cup, around $68,000, to the cause.
James and Wellwood, as well as training a team including superstar filly Prowess, were working the phones yesterday both securing money and making sure the fund was set up appropriately.
“I have my accountant overseeing it and we set up a special bank account [yesterday] so the money only goes into there and is used for one purpose only, helping the people who need it,” says James.
Milan Park (breeding operation) boss Tony Rider has donated the use of a truck and driver to get supplies directly to the East Coast and the breeding industry has also come to the fore with 10 thoroughbred and two standardbred stallion services
to be auctioned this week, with all money from them going to the fund.
The stallion services will be available for breeders to bid on via New Zealand Bloodstock’s online platform Gavelhouse Plus tomorrow, with
the two standardbred service fees donated by Woodlands and Alabar likely to be sold online on the NZB standardbred site on Thursday.
Service fees to Shocking, El Roca, Ancient Spirit, Adrossan, War Decree, Derryn, Puccini, Vespa, Saville Row and Eminent will be available to thoroughbred breeders with the hope more studs may donate to the cause.
“We are blown away by the generosity of so many people — of course Brendan and Jo Lindsay, and the studs who are helping out,” says James.
“We have had people ringing in to donate and we have already raised $100,000 and I am sure after the stallion service auction that will pass $150,000.
“And we are ensuring the money is being spent the right way and going directly to people who need it.”
Away from their work raising money for those who need it, James and Wellwood are putting the finishing touches on Prowess as she prepares for the New Zealand Derby at Te Rapa on Saturday week.
The Karaka Classic winner is in perfect order for her step up to 2400m to take on Herbie Dyke winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart, the pair dominating the market.