How would you like to become a 10% owner of one of a classy pair of greyhounds for the two feature races during Friday’s big ticket Palmerston North Gold Cup meeting? A successful auction bid can secure that ownership.

Pictured: American Warrior, who will have a 10% ownership share in him auctioned on Friday

Steve ‘the auctioneer’ Davis will auction off a 10% ownership share in the New Zealand Cup winner American Warrior for the $15,000 Palmerston North Gold Cup (race 9) and the $200,000 stayer Shandell who will contest the $10,000 Arch Lawrence Distance Invitation (race 8). 10% of any stake money won by the greyhounds in those races will go to the successful bidders.

The total proceeds from both auctions will be donated to the Rebecca Black Trust in support of Rebecca’s three children after the jockey tragically died in a December race fall. “This is another example of the racing industry, irrespective of which code it is, giving to where it matters. I applaud Paul (Freeman, Palmerston president) for his initiative for this great cause. I urge everyone to get in behind this promotion, just like they did for the previous Thomas Russell appeal,” commented Steve Davis, who is the recognised greyhound ambassador for the weekend.

The format for the auctions will be: The 10% share in Shandell will be auctioned following the running of race 7 and the American Warrior 10% share after the running of race 8. Phone bids will be accepted which must be placed with an on course representative who must immediately settle the amount involved if an off course bidder finishes up as the highest bidder. Photo opportunities will be available with both greyhounds.

“I wish to gratefully acknowledge Dave and Jean Fahey (American Warrior) and Arch Lawrence (Shandell) who didn’t hesitate when asked to provide the 10% shares in their greyhounds,” advised Paul Freeman who also added, “I strongly encourage all industry participants to fully embrace the weekend and patronise the Palmerston North Gold Cup concept at all three meetings.”

“We are pleased to be able to assist in what is a great cause,” said Dave Fahey, while Arch Lawrence said, “We are very happy to be involved with this promotion. We love to see other people being able to get involved in a deserved cause like this.”

Other fundraising activities for the Rebecca Black Trust includes an on-line Trade Me auction for a full set of racing colours from the champion mare Winx, plus a dinner at the Riccarton Racecourse on April 20 with guest speaker, All Black coach Steve Hanson.

The early Palmerston North Cup favourite American Warrior; Champion stayer Shandell who will also have a 10% ownership share auctioned and she is the early Arch Lawrence Distance Invitation favourite

By Peter Fenemor - The Dogs