Written by Lydia Symonds
With the Australian racing industry rallying behind injured jockey Elissa Meredith, Inglis has decided to auction eight outstanding items to be auctioned in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale.
Organised by trainer Louise Munce and the NSW Trainers' Association, the charity items are a mix of racing, sporting and hospitality packages, which are expected to garner attention from a huge spread of people.
Elissa Meredith | Image courtesy of Glen Gallic Stud
Meredith is currently in a rehabilitation facility in Sydney, having spent most of the past eight weeks in John Hunter Hospital having suffered from a pair of brain contusions suffered after a fall in a race at Gunnedah in north eastern New South Wales on July 4.
The eight items for sale are:
• Framed silks worn by champion jockey James McDonald when winning the recent G1 Winx S. on Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}). The silks are signed by McDonald and trainer James Cummings
• TAB Epsom Raceday Experience – four TAB Suite tickets (including food and beverage), watch a race in the broadcast box with Darren Flindell, meet the Sky Thoroughbred Central on-air team of Greg Radley, Ron Dufficy, Corey Brown, Chantelle Buckley and Ally Mosley and head to the barriers to watch the horses jump for a race
• Champagne Tour of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable before heading to Randwick for a raceday and a table for six in the Grandview Restaurant (including food and beverage)
• Collectors’ item - World’s Best Sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) silks, signed by trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald, showcasing his wins in the G1 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot in June and the 2021 TAB Everest at Randwick
• One of a kind - ‘The Waugh Brothers’ – framed and signed memorabilia piece depicting legends of Australian cricket Steve and Mark Waugh
• Hawkesbury Race Club Premium Race Sponsorship - 10 guests wined and dined, race naming rights and all associated branding opportunities across media platforms
• Jockey breeches signed and framed by the world-class Sydney jockeys’ room
• William Inglis Hotel package which includes two nights accommodation in a Superior Suite plus breakfast daily for two guests, a $150 voucher for the Newmarket Room Restaurant and an Inglis Day Spa voucher
Full descriptions and where relevant, images, will be uploaded onto the individual lots’ listing on the Inglis Digital website prior to the auction going live next Friday.
“Racing is a close-knit family and when one of our own needs support, we rally together,’’ NSWTA CEO Richard Callander said.
“Racing is a close-knit family and when one of our own needs support, we rally together.’’ - Richard Callander
“Elissa is a beautiful, young lady facing a tough battle so if we as an industry can smooth a few bumps by raising much needed funds well that is what we do.
“These eight items, I am sure, will attract plenty of interest and as is so often the case, Inglis jumped at the chance to be involved and support this great cause so I urge everybody to get some funds together and support this outstanding cause.’’
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch added: “When we were approached to play a part in this, we had no hesitation in offering up the Inglis Digital platform to host this auction given it is for such a good cause.
Sebastian Hutch | Image courtesy of Inglis
“We work in an industry that has a very strong sense of community, particularly when things get tough and we are pleased to be able to help Elissa in some small way.
“The generosity of people in providing these items is quite extraordinary so hopefully people can now rally behind the cause and we can raise a significant amount for Elissa and her recovery.’’
