Big weekend ahead for Blue September fund-raiser

Another $800 has been raised for Harness Racing New Zealand’s Blue September campaign, with the promise of plenty more over the next few days.

Ambassadors Blair Orange and Todd Mitchell have each added $400 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation fund-raiser, with Orange winning twice at Winton yesterday (Doctor Lavros and Sir Brigadoon) and Mitchell victorious with Wet Flipflops at Cambridge last night.

Their efforts have taken the total so far this month to $11,550.

The campaign has ten drivers involved, raising money with each of their wins. Clubs, HRNZ and individual sponsors also contribute.

Tonight northern Blue September ambassadors Zachary Butcher and Zev Meredith will make their first appearance this campaign at Alexandra Park. Because they have been grounded by Covid restrictions they will continue to race in the Blue September silks and raise money for the cause into October.

As well as Auckland, Addington will also be racing tonight where Orange, Korbyn Newman, Matty Williamson, Robbie Close and Jonny Cox will all be trying to add to the tally.

Then it’s on to Motukarara on Sunday for the last Canterbury-based Blue September meeting.

The first grass track meeting of the new season will feature a Blue September first – an all male race.

And it will look a bit different - Orange will wear the campaign's blue silks and Close will wear the Clerk of the Course white silks as the driver who’s raised the most money this month ($3200). Everyone else will be wearing their trainer's colours.

Canterbury trainer Fred Scott is also encouraging people to support Blue September at the meeting.

He has two runners in himself and has pledged to donate half of any stakes if his horses finish in the first four.

He challenged others in the industry to follow suit.

“It’s a great cause,” says Scott, "and it could a bit of interest to the day.”