IF Winx was the big winner on the track at the weekend, then drought-stricken farmers are this week after the Muswellbrook Race Club (MRC) hosted a big fundraising event on Monday.
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The organisation, in conjunction with TAB and new sponsor Aquis, have generated tens of thousands of dollars for the Need for Feed campaign.
More than $27,000 was raised, with MRC, Aquis and TAB themselves pitching in $20,000 – and trainers donating much of the rest to the increasingly important cause.
MRC general manager Duane Dowell said they thought it was time to get involved.
And, he expects the races to be a huge boost to the charity operation.
“It’s all going to the Lions Club Need for Feed,” Dowell explained.
“It is anticipated that the funds raised today will fund a number of semi-trailer loads of hay to come up into the Upper Hunter in the next few weeks to a month to support the local farmers.”
He thanked Aquis for its initiative in organising the event, admitting it was the horse stud company’s idea to take action.
Aquis CEO Shane McGrath, flanked by Justin Fung, son of company owner Tony Fung, said he believed it was their responsibility to help their community given the power they possess.
“We were looking for a way to provide a unique opportunity to generate some funds for the drought relief and we came up with this concept,” he said.
“We’re in a really unique position.
“And, when you see that there are fellow people in the agricultural industry in need then it’s incumbent upon us to do what we can to help.
“This is just our way of trying to assist those in need.”
With a focus on community aid, the new partnership is a positive for locals, and is set to make the MRC an influential player in Upper Hunter issues.
