Daffodil Raceday Raises Record Funds for Cancer Society

Media Release - Thursday September 5

Tarzino Trophy TAB Daffodil Raceday raised $40,000 for Hawke's Bay cancer patients and their families, surpassing the previous fundraising record of $36,000 set last year.

Former All Black and TAB Ambassador Stephen 'Beaver' Donald with Jockey Matt Cameron Photo: Trish Dunell"We are in shock. Good shock! $40,000 will have a massive impact in helping to provide services for Hawke's Bay patients and their whanau," Hawke's Bay Cancer Society Acting Centre Manager Chris Franklyn said.

"We can't speak highly enough of the commitment and passion of the team at Hawke's Bay Racing and the TAB, who again, have exceeded all expectations.

"Our volunteers were very grateful to be treated to a wonderful high tea, the highlight of which was hearing from sporting legends Ian Smith, Grant Nisbett and Stephen Donald."

Almost 3,000 people, including many families and children, turned out on what was a perfect spring day at Hastings Racecourse. Hawke's Bay Racing chief executive Andrew Castles said he was overawed by the generosity of both the local and racing communities.

"The racecourse on Saturday played incredibly well for the horses and jockeys, and it looked amazing with over 5,000 daffodils spread across the complex," Castles said.

"I am extremely proud of everyone involved in this special day and see it as a privilege for Hawke's Bay Racing to be able to support our local Cancer Society with a significant cash donation."

Principal sponsor Westbury Stud raised $5,500 by raffling a trip to the 2020 Golden Slipper, and trainer Tony Pike generously donated $1,000 per winner on the day, taking his total to $3,000.

"We had a record gate collection of $6,100 and a record price of $4,400 paid for our charity lunch with Stephen Donald," Castles said.

"Other supporters from the racing community included the Melody Belle Syndicate, Bruce & Maureen Harvey, Gerald Shand, Al Basti Equiworld and Te Akau Racing who came to the party with a donation of the amount required to get us to the $40,000 threshold."

The day was proudly supported by TAB NZ who donated $12,000 to the cause.

"We're delighted to throw our weight behind this initiative. Cancer touches everybody at some point, everywhere across New Zealand. Daffodil Raceday is an important way for the TAB to connect with our community and support the vital work of the Cancer Society,"TAB General Manager Customer Gary Woodham said.

The Daffodil Racedays initiative has now raised more than $260,000 for the Cancer Society nationwide. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Nick Strikes Again – Fastnet Rock x Galileo
The Fastnet Rock x Galileo nick has been on fire in Melbourne this spring producing Cox Plate winner Via Sistina (IRE) and leading Melbourne Cup contender Buckaroo (GB) and it struck again overnight in the UK with a brand new stakes-winner in Military Academy, who captured the Listed Floodlit Stakes (1m4f) at Kempton.
Knights Choice a True Underdog Story
Punters were left stunned when the Queenslander Knight's Choice and Japanese visitor Warp Speed (JPN) emerged from the pack to fight out a dramatic finish to the $8,560,000 Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday November 5
Here is the full list of 145 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
More Stakes Success for Air Assault
Group I placed last season in the SA Derby, talented gelding Air Assault kept the winning run going for Victoria Derby winning trainer Andrew Gluyas when taking out the Listed SAJC John Letts Cup (1800m) at Morphettville on Melbourne Cup Day.
All Too Hard's Arran Bay Brave in the Furphy Plate
Phillip Stokes admitted his preference was to run Arran Bay in the Listed John Letts Cup at Morphettville but was overruled by the owners, who made the correct decision in favouring the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
Melbourne Cup Pedigree Analysis - Do It Yourself
Breednet has produced a great page with click through to five generation pedigrees for all the Melbourne Cup runners, so for amateur pedigree buffs looking to have a Cup flutter based pedigree here’s your chance  to DIY it!
Kiwi Bred Grey Wins Subzero for OTI at Flemington
New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland proved a handful for James McDonald at Flemington on Tuesday, but the champion jockey was in a forgiving mood after they had claimed top honours in the Subzero Handicap.
Antrim Coast to Fly Flag for The Oaks Stud
The well-renowned colours of The Oaks Stud will feature across two feature Trans-Tasman meetings this week, kicking off with Antrim Coast lining up in the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.
Kiwi Bred Gringotts Wins $3million Big Dance
Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick.
Coolmore Set Justify Fee for 2025
Coolmore have announced the US fee for Justify in 2025 with the undefeated Triple Crown winner priced at $US250,000 to head  their roster of 16 stallions at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.