Harness Racing New Zealand’s Blue September campaign is over for another year, with the total raised in excess of $40,000.
Following the month’s final race meeting at Timaru on Sunday it’s estimated the final figure will be around $41,000, at least $7000 higher than last year.
Money was raised every time one of the 12 Blue September ambassadors won a race during the month, with contributions coming from HRNZ ($100 per win), clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors.
The country’s leading driver Blair Orange led the way with 24 wins in September, raising $8200.
Driver Breakdown (with their individual sponsors) :
Blair Orange – Friday Night Lights and Margo Nyhan Racing – 24 wins, $8200
Tony Cameron – Steve Blake, Christine Montagna, Marten Bakker Timbers, Strike Won Racing, StructureMaxx, Jeremy Young Racing, Ray White Tuakau – 4 wins, $5800
Matty Williamson – Wayne Spanjer, Total Lawn Care Company Ltd, Robin and Geraldine Wilson, Ken Johnston, Tony Crofts, Andrew Fry, Matthew and Charlotte Williamson, Bruce and Colleen Negus, Sumo Hand, Luke Whittaker Racing, Steven Clarkson, MarQue, Scott Elliffe, Brian Ferns – 9 wins, $5600
Robbie Close – Keast Racing, Equine Products NZ Ltd, Cavalier Trotting Products, Megan Swain Racing,
Mick Hand, SMARCK Family, Any Excuse Syndicate, The Dumpster Syndicate, Graham Hand, Bee Buzz Apiaries Ltd, Waiuku Mitre 10, John and Christine McDermott, Executive Decision, Paul Hogan – 3 wins, $4591
Nathan Williamson – Brendon Franks Farrier, P & L Ltd, Peter Lagan Standardbreds, Stalker Vets Mossburn, Phillips Horse Transport, Williamson Racing Ltd, Goodman Plumbing – 6 wins, $3870
Sam Thornley – East West Fencing Ltd, Leisa Thomas, MWS Vehicle Testing LTD, AGF Builders, Hugo Trust – 3 wins, $3610
Jonny Cox – Matt Markham, Advance Properties, N40 Racing, Total Lawn Care Company Ltd – 3 wins, $2535
Henry Sail – Matt Purvis Racing, Ben Hope Racing, The Kaik Tavern, Julie Sail, Kelvin Home Holdings Ltd, Murray and Deb – 1 win, $550
Benjamin Butcher – Lyndon Jones Electrical – No wins, $500
Rory McIlwrick – Tania Kettle, J and R Painters, Tyler Dewe Racing Stables – 1 win, $500
Dylan Ferguson – Ferguson Racing Stables, FM Maintenance, No wins.
Zev Meredith – Tania Kettle, The Clubhouse, Derek Balle Racing Stables, Betavet, Tim Vince, Cambridge Grain, Arna Donnelly Harness Racing, Logan Ropiha Farrier, Bluey Barber, Brent Donnelly,
Superior Cabins – No wins
Many individuals also contributed to the cause though donations or at fund-raising events throughout the month and HRNZ would like to thank everyone for their generosity.
We would also like to thank the ambassadors and their sponsors for their support – without them there is no Blue September.
Let’s go even bigger and better in 2025.
