The Go and Play Stables has announced that everyone that attended the ‘Night at the Races’ fundraising event at Woodbine Racetrack on November 16 had a fantastic time. Organizers would like to take the opportunity to give thanks to the many sponsors and organizations that stepped up to help make the night such a great success.
Organizers have said that they are thrilled with the immense support the stable is receiving, not only from the harness racing industry, but the riding horse community as well. With the current state of the racing industry, standardbreds are finding themselves in need of new careers. Go and Play Stables’ standardbred rescue, rehabilitation, retraining and re-homing program provides them with that opportunity. GPS is run solely by a group of dedicated volunteers that strive to promote the versatility of the standardbred and base their training on the philosophy that ‘patience and persistence pays off.’
In total, a little over $4,000 was raised through silent auctions held in the grandstand and the paddock area at Woodbine on November 16.
The Go and Play Stables would like to express its gratitude to the following individuals for contributing to the evening's success:
- Woodbine Entertainment Group, for allowing GPS to host the event at the track.
- The catering staff, chefs and waitresses at Favourites.
- Bill McLinchey, WEG’s manager of Racing Operations.
- The drivers that donated 100 per cent of their winnings: Billy Davis Jr., James MacDonald, Scott Zeron (from Saturday's card), and Doug McNair and Anthony MacDonald (from Thursday's card).
- Jim Carr, for breeding donations for Big Jim and Panther Hanover.
- Brooks Performance Horse Feeds in Port Perry, for their advertising sponsorship.
- Joyce's Racing Silks.
- Hanover Shoe Farms, for its donation of Somebeachsomewhere's halter, and Jack
Darling Stables, who placed the winning bid of $1,000. - All the backstretch folks that participated in the 50/50 draw and silent auction.
- Marie Brooking, who placed the winning bid of $65 for the quilt.
- Joanne Colville and her mare, Rosie (Choclatey Sensation), for assisting Meagan and Mojo (Hezgothorseshoes) during their first-ever post parade appearance.
- Emma Christoforou, for her tremendous help selling tickets for the 50/50 draw.
GPS has said it can't thank everyone enough for helping it make the event such a huge success. The $4,000 raised goes directly to the horses. The funds will allow Go and Play Stables to purchase additional hay, water troughs and fencing, as well as construct more outdoor shelters.
GPS and its supporters are helping the horses and making a difference by building new futures for these amazing athletes. GPS appreciates your support and the organization will see you all again next year. Thank you!
(With files from the Go and Play Stables’ team and horses)