Top jockey backs Daffodil Race Day

Lance O'Sullivan

Champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan has come out in support of the JB Organics Spring Racing Carnival's Daffodil Race Day.

Tomorrow's Makfi Challenge Stakes Supporting Daffodil Race Day will open the carnival with a family day out, complete with kids' games and live music.

All of the day's gate takings will be donated to the Cancer Society's Hawke's Bay branch, with hopes to raise $20,000 for the cause.

In a video posted on YouTube, Kiwi racing legend Mr O'Sullivan pledged his support to the event, saying he lost his sister, Lisa Chittick, to leukemia three months ago.

"Get behind Daffodil Race Day at Hawke's Bay on August the 30th, and support Kiwis touched by cancer," he said.

Mr O'Sullivan said he'd be making the trip to the region from his home in Matamata for the event, which he had been to for "23 years in a row".

The JB Organics Spring Racing Carnival has 29 races held across three meetings - August 30, September 20 and October 4 - with $1.5 million in stakes.

For more information, visit www.hawkesbayracing.co.nz