Racing: Ritchie pledges earnings to aid earthquake victims

Shaune Ritchie. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie has pledged half of any percentages his team earns this weekend to the Christchurch earthquake relief fund.

Ritchie has been motivated by the plight of those so terribly affected by Tuesday's disaster and challenges other stakeholders to follow suit.

Several racing industry stakeholders decided to make similar generous donations after the November tragedy at the Pike River mine which killed 29 men.

"When tragedies like [the earthquake] occur it makes you realise how fortunate the rest of us are," Ritchie said.

"I've talked it about with my wife Ali and we've decided that if we're lucky enough for any of our horses to run in the money tomorrow, we'll donate half the trainers' percentages they earn."

Ritchie has Keep The Peace engaged as second favourite in the $200,000 Haunui Farm Classic at Otaki, while other strong winning prospects from his stable include Roi d'jeu in the R90 stayers' event at the same meeting and hat-trick seeker Goldminer in the three-year-old sprint at Matamata.

"We've made this decision as individuals but I challenge my fellow trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders to do their bit.

"All of us in parts of New Zealand not directly affected by the quake are in a position to help and this is the most effective way we think we can."