The New Zealand Racing Board and Ronald McDonald House Charities have partnered up for The Interislander Summer Festival at Hastings Racecourse on January 1, as part of a nation-wide fundraising initiative.
Hawke's Bay Racing's annual New Years Day meeting is a long standing tradition. This season, the New Zealand RacingBoard plan to also bring some joy to families in need.
In each of the 8 races at Hastings racecourse, a TAB Racing Tipster will select a horse as the 'TAB Summer Selection'. If the Summer Selection finishes in first place, the TAB will donate $75 to Ronald McDonald House. If the Summer Selection comes second or third, the TAB will donate $50.
New Zealand Racing Board CEO John Allen said the New Zealand Racing Board their "expert tipsters" would pick a Summer Selection for each race at all 36 Interislander Summer Festival race days across New Zealand this summer. That means Ronald McDonald House will have nearly 350 horses running for them this season.
Mr Allen said racegoers could also show their support by asking the TAB Operator for a bet on the Summer Selection each race and make a donation to one of the team members collecting for charity.
Ronald McDonald House Charities chief executive, Wayne Howett, said Interislander Summer Festival race days coincide with a cause close to all our hearts - family. "I am really excited about Ronald McDonald House partnering with the New Zealand Racing Board. As the Hastings New Years Day races are such an entertaining day for families, this aligns well with our mission in keeping Kiwi families together and strong".
Hawke's Bay Racing's Interislander Summer Festival race day will be held at Hastings Racecourse on January 1. Gates open 10.30am. First race at 12.52pm.
