A range of caps that let people show support for SA horses racing interstate during spring has raised $3000 for equine welfare projects.
Colour co-ordinated caps for Everest-runners Gytrash and Behemoth, along with middle-distance star Dalasan and sprinting mare Bella Vella were available for purchase via Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA).
Over 350 caps were sold and every last cent of profits is being directed to equine-welfare projects across South Australia.
“We had great support for our ‘South Aussie star’ cap initiative,” said TRSA’s industry marketing manager, Michelle Greene.
“People loved the caps and the chance to show off the colours of their favourite SA horses, but they also appreciated the chance to support the equine-welfare projects that are such a crucial part of what TRSA is all about.”
Michelle said the money raised from the initiative would be used to improve our race day veterinary care and after consultation with industry vet Dr Peter Horridge would be put towards the purchase of ECGs (electrocardiograms) to begin researching and analysing the post-race heart rates of horses that have had sub-par performances. It will also be used to purchase splints to be used on racedays to stablise lower leg injuries.
“Welfare is about more than just retirement,” she said.
“We also place a strong emphasis on race-day care, and this is where the ‘South Aussie star’ cap funds are set to be directed towards.”
TRSA’s equine-welfare arm was created earlier this year and has already delivered tangible outcomes. Its creation coincided with the employment of a full-time equine welfare officer, respected SA industry authority John Cornell.