Two of Australia’s leading jockeys are among a number of sporting stars who have pledged to support those affected by the bushfires with donations to a fundraising appeal.
Multiple Group One-winning Sydney jockey Tommy Berry on Friday announced he would donate $250 for every winner he rides during January.
“It is overwhelming to see the support shown by other sportsman getting around people in need, I would like to join them so for the month of January I will be donating $250 for every winner I ride to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal,” Berry said on Twitter.
“Big thanks to our brave firefighters.”
High-profile tennis players Nick Kyrgios, John Millman and Alex de Minaur have pledged between $100 and $250 per ace served during the Australian tennis summer.
Star Melbourne jockey Damian Lane said he would follow Berry and donate $250 for every winner he rides this month.
Lane had a 2019 to remember, winning the Golden Slipper, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate in Australia as well as three Group One races in Japan.
He rides at the Gold Coast on Saturday where his four rides include Magic Millions Classic hopeful Conceited in the Aquis Gold Nugget (1100m).
Berry has five rides at Saturday’s Kensington track meeting at Randwick.
Other jockeys have also said they will do what they can, including young apprentice Jaden Lloyd and Zac Spain who will donate their riding fees from Friday night’s Cranbourne meeting.
Sydney apprentice Chris Williams responded to Berry, saying he would donate $200 for every winner he rides this month.
The Cranbourne Turf Club will auction six all-inclusive sponsorship packages, valued at $2200 each, to be used during the night racing season at the track.
“All proceeds will go directly to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund,” the club said on its Facebook page.
