THE dual-code thoroughbred and greyhound flood relief race meeting to be held at Bundaberg racecourse on Saturday, April 6, 2013 is nearing and officials are overwhelmed by the racing industry’s level of support.

The Bundaberg Race Club (BRC) president Mark McLean said the planning and preparations for the flood relief event were successfully underway and the support keeps rolling in.

“Six sponsors have come on board raising $20,000 of which the net revenue will be donated to the Bundaberg community,” he said.

“We have already had a positive response to ticket sales with 400 people booked into corporate and public marquees.

“The proceeds from the gate entry ($7 adults and $4 concession) will also be donated to the fund. It is an exciting prospect to be able to give back to the community who have helped our Club so much over the years.”

Racing Queensland Limited (RQL) together with tote wagering operators, Tattsbet and Tabcorp will donate all wagering revenue from the $20,000 Bundaberg Ginger Beer Flood Relief Sustain Series Cup, scheduled to be broadcast on Sky Racing 1 at 2:10pm.

Corporate bookmakers including Betfair, Bet365.com, Bet Ezy Bookmaker.com.au, Eskander’s Betstar, Luxbet, Sportsbet, Sportingbet, Unibet and Tom Waterhouse will also donate their wagering revenue.

Australian Wagering Council’s chief executive Chris Downy is delighted to see members of the AWC along with other online bookmakers support this cause.

“This is a fantastic initiative to support a hard hit community and our membership of wagering operators is only too happy to donate their Bundaberg Ginger Beer Flood Relief Sustain Series Cup wagering revenue,” Mr Downy said.

“To kick start the fundraising the Sportingbet team have guaranteed a minimum $5000 donation to this cause.” 

The support of these wagering operators will mean that spectators across Australia will be able to support the Bundaberg community simply by placing a bet on the Flood Relief Sustain Series Cup with their preferred wagering operator.

Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club president Brian Terry said the day’s first two greyhound races will be run before the final thoroughbred race with six more scheduled after.

“With the support of RQL we’re delighted to boost prizemoney for a Bundaberg Flood Relief Trophy feature race to $2000.”

“We are also very thankful for the City to the Bush team’s sponsorship of our eight greyhound race program and along with the BRC, we are delighted to donate the proceeds to the fund.”

City to the Bush, spearheaded by the Brisbane Racing Club will charter a flight to Bundaberg with 84 passengers, keen to experience a day of country racing.

Brisbane Racing Club chief executive Stephen Ferguson feels it important for the state’s largest race club to support the Bundaberg Club and wider community.

“This town has been through an extremely tough time recently, and this is the least we can do,” he said.

“It’s great to see the camaraderie of the racing community and how when in times of need, we band together to support each other, regardless of code or destination.

“We’re even bringing legendary racecaller Wayne Wilson out of retirement to call the feature thoroughbred race.

“I would especially like to thank our City to the Bush partners Channel Seven, Coca Cola Amital, Nova FM, Avmin and RQL.”

Sydney Horse Transport has also kindly offered free horse transport to Bundaberg from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to boost the race program.

Sydney Horse Transport’s managing director Adam Maley encourages interested trainers and owners to contact his team directly to make travel arrangements.

 

RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE