Charity Auction at Newton Abbot's Penultimate Fixture

Sept. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- As the penultimate fixture of 2012 takes place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Monday, the racecourse will also host a charity auction to help raise money for two great causes.
The charity auction has been organised by four of the on-course bookmakers at Newton Abbot with proceeds being donated to the Ricky Grant Cancer Ward at Torbay Hospital and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Amongst the items up for auction are a stable visit and breakfast with trainers Paul Nicholls, Rod Millman, Colin Tizzard or Richard Woolacott; a picture of Frankel signed by jockey Tom Quealey; a pair of Richard Hughes’ britches signed by Frankie Dettori, Johnny Murtagh, A P McCoy, Richard Johnson and Paddy Brennan; plus a pair of annual badges for the 2013 season at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

The Ricky Grant Cancer Ward, a charity named after a 17-year-old man who died of cancer, is a day centre at Torbay Hospital for outpatients undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments. It is part of a £5 million program of improvements to cancer services at Torbay Hospital.

The Injured Jockeys Fund, founded in 1964, was created to help jockeys who have suffered severe injury during racing. Having helped over a thousand jockeys to date, the charity has also helped to raise awareness regarding the risks of racing and has resulted in the racing authorities implementing many safety initiatives.

Patrick Masterson, Managing Director at the racecourse, discussed the forthcoming meeting: “Monday’s fixture is one not to be missed for horseracing fans. Not only can they enjoy another afternoon of racing here at Newton Abbot but they also have the chance to bid for some money-can’t-buy experiences.”

“The on-course bookmakers have done a fantastic job of collecting some great auction prizes which are sure to appeal to racing fans. I’m sure both charities will benefit hugely from proceeds of the auction.”

Monday’s racing begins at 2pm. This will be followed by the final fixture of 2012 at Newton Abbot on Friday 12th October. Tickets for both fixtures are still available online at www.newtonabbotracing.com or by calling 01626 353 235.