Racing fans will have their chance to live their Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) dream next month.
Brett Wilkinson, the manager of the Montre Moi Syndicate, who part-own the three-year-old gelding Montre Moi, has put up a two percent share in the Derby hopeful for the day on Gavelhouse Plus this week, with all proceeds going to Lifeline Aotearoa.
Should Montre Moi win the time-honoured event, the winning bidder will take home their $10,000 share of the $1 million prize-pool and priceless memories to last a lifetime.
The successful bidder will also receive full owner privileges at New Zealand’s premier racetrack, Ellerslie, with the added bonus of a table for four in Cuvée valued at more than $1,300.
They will also be treated to a behind the scenes experience including watching the start of an earlier race from the barriers with Auckland Racing Club chief executive Paul Wilcox.
“I feel very fortunate to have a horse talented enough to run in the Derby and this is a good way to share the dream while at the same time raising money to assist a vital need in Lifeline Aotearoa,” Wilkinson said.
Wilcox was also delighted to be supporting the initiative.
“We are proud to join with Brett to contribute to this wonderful cause,” he said.
“With the past year impacting the way in which we live, work and play, the need to connect with one another has never been greater.
“While Auckland Cup Week will certainly help bring people together and provide that social interaction we have all found ourselves craving, it is the tireless efforts of Lifeline Aotearoa who are there for those of our fellow Kiwis in desperate need that is the most important.”
Montre Moi has won two of his five starts, and placed behind star three-year-olds Aegon and Amarelinha in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie last month.
The Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained gelding is currently a $5.50 third-favourite for the New Zealand Derby, behind Amarelinha ($2.50), who is yet to be nominated for the race, and dual Guineas winner Rocket Spade ($3.50).
The sale is now live on plus.gavelhouse.com, and will run until 7pm on Sunday, February 28.
