ATC flexes charity muscles from Everest

The world’s richest race on turf is spreading its wealth, with a $33,000 donation to the Mark Hughes Foundation for brain cancer research.

The cheque, donated on behalf of the Australian Turf Club and Australian Bloodstock, will be presented to the charity at Rosehill’s Saturday races on December 9.

The Hughes family, supporters of the foundation, and Australian Bloodstock will be in attendance at a special function on the day.

The donation was raised from five per cent of net prize money earned by the Australian Bloodstock-owned Brave Smash who represented the ATC when third in the $10 million Everest on October 14.

It’s not the charity’s only tie to Everest, with Mark Hughes’ former Newcastle Knights teammates trekking to Mount Everest base camp for the foundation last month.

ATC chairman Laurie Macri says the club is more than willing to donate time and resources to charities.

“One of the added thrills of Brave Smash’s great run in the TAB Everest was allowing us to make such a large donation to a cause that has touched racing, rugby league and the wider community in so many ways,” he said.

ATC has also raised close to $45,000 for SpinalCure Australia, the club’s 2017 charity partner.

Submissions for ATC’s 2018 charity partner open in mid-December and close at the end of January.

Applications close on Friday for ATC’s community grant, which awards up to $2500 to projects which benefit communities around Rosehill, Randwick, Canterbury and Warwick Farm racecourses.

The first grant was awarded to Parramatta Mission last year, for its work providing free hot meals, accommodation and mental health assistance.