Racing Victoria’s special fundraising initiative, in partnership with Country Racing Victoria and Seymour Racing Club, was brought about as a way of raising crucial funds for emergency services and bushfire recovery efforts in the face of the Longwood bushfires that swept the region.
Moreover, it also provided a chance for the community to thank the first responders who were on the frontline fighting the fires head on, with broadcaster Clint Stanaway hosting the formalities to acknowledge the bravery and commitment of CFA members and all those who risked their lives to help others.
The generosity on show was amazing, with the CFA and Brigades Donations Fund and the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund sharing directly in the more than $200,000 raised on the day through race sponsorships, charity auctions and pledges.
Seymour Racing Club chief executive Chris Martin was blown away by the figure, which massively exceeded his expectations.
“I didn't really know what to expect, I'd had a guess on the radio on Friday morning, I thought (maybe) 60 or 70 grand,” he said.
“But when they said that it's going to be, you know, up over $200,000, I was gobsmacked, and that was driven a lot by Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and the Victorian Government.
“We were lucky enough to have the racing minister, Anthony Carbines, there on the day as well, which was great.”
The continued support for the industry, which was hit hard in the Seymour region with numerous farms and studs forced to evacuate during the fires, amazed Martin, who was astonished by the willingness of individuals to help out.
“Sometimes you think there’s a bit of fatigue around this sort of stuff, but I don't think the general community has reached it yet, because Friday was just amazing,” he said.
“The response that we had (was unreal), I'm looking forward to seeing what the actual final figure is, but it blew my socks off to be honest.”
In announcing the fundraising total, Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison paid tribute to those on the frontline for their efforts in keeping the wider community safe.
“It was heartening to see so many people in attendance at today’s meeting and even more gratifying to see over $200,000 raised to assist in Victoria’s ongoing bushfire relief efforts,” he said.
“The stories of bravery that have been told and which many of our participants experienced first-hand typifies the spirit of these regional communities and indeed of the racing industry, which never fails to come together in times of hardship.
“Over the coming weeks, the Racing For Our Regions series will provide an opportunity for our industry to say thanks to everyone who served on the frontline and I would urge anyone living close to one of the host venues to get along to the races and show their support.”
There will be a further three race meets in the Racing For Our Regions series throughout March at Alexandra, Towong and Kyneton, supported through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, with the first outing at Seymour heralded a huge success by Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, who was in attendance on Friday.
“Today brought the racing industry and local communities together in a real show of generosity and support, and the Allan Labor Government is proud to stand alongside them,” he said.
“Our regional communities have bravely faced the most difficult of challenges this year and to be able to raise them vital funds while celebrating those who fought to protect lives, property and local communities is very important.
“Thank you to everyone today who attended, donated or tuned in from afar and I’m proud to be associated with an industry that digs deep for regional communities.”
The Racing For Our Regions meet marks the second fundraising initiative the Seymour Racing Club has been involved in recently, with the club also donating all admission fees, which it then matched, and shaking donation tins at its CFA Appreciation Day meeting in January, before rounding up the total to $5000, which it donated to the Whiteheads Creek-Tarcombe CFA Brigade.
While the racing itself was secondary to the cause on Friday, there was still plenty of action on track, with a stacked nine-race card providing plenty of entertainment.
Jamie Mott steered Lunar Force to victory in the Jayco three-year-old Maiden Plate for trainer Robbie Griffiths in the opening race of the day, while Danny O’Brien found success with Gold Coast Belle over 1100m in the Magic Millions three-year-old Fillies Maiden Plate.
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young earned their first win of the day with Sabertooth in race three, the IRT Maiden Plate, which they then made a double in race six with Lathlain.
Vim Vitae passed the post first in race four for trainer Liam Howley, while Michael Dee was the only jockey to ride multiple winners, steering I Belong to the win in race five for Cindy Alderson, while closing out the final race of the day aboard Ka Ying Cheer for the Hayes brothers.
The Edmund Burke-trained Savvie Blanc got up in race seven, while Andrew Noblet also claimed a winner in race eight with Sussex Duchess.
Local trainers have also fared well away from Seymour in recent times, with Lee and Shannon Hope earning a win at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday, February 18, with Cameron Falls in race seven, while Stephen Brown narrowly missed out at the same meet, placing second with Crown Crusher in race four.
Ron Hockley saluted with Mahra at Dederang on Saturday, February 21, while Mel Page and Tookay Pete continued their purple patch of form, earning a third at Cranbourne on Friday, February 20.
