Online bookmakers get behind “1 for the Bush” campaign

The nation’s biggest betting operators have rallied behind this week’s ‘1 for the Bush’ fundraising campaign to assist drought-relief by agreeing to match Racing Queensland’s contribution dollar for dollar.

Earlier this week, Racing Queensland (RQ) announced it would donate $1000 to the QCWA’s Public Rural Crisis Fund every time a runner carrying the number one saddlecloth wins a race across this weekend.

Following Monday’s announcement, Tabcorp, and online betting sites Ladbrokes, Sportsbet and BetEasy have all agreed to match RQ’s contribution, throwing their significant support behind the critical campaign.

Across Queensland thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing, more than 120 races are scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday – this includes 68 TAB and non-TAB thoroughbred races, 34 greyhound races and 21 harness races.

In addition, the top-three place getters from the TAB Country Cups Challenge Final, which will be staged at Doomben on Saturday, will also be awarded $5000, $3000 and $2000 to donate to a rural charity of their choice.

“We’re extremely grateful to our betting operators for their response to 1 for the Bush and their willingness to match dollar for dollar,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.

“The effects of drought continue to be felt in many communities across the state – we know people are doing it tough – and the QCWA plays an important role in supporting many Queensland families who are in need.

“Thanks to their collective support, $5000 will now be donated to the QCWA every time we see the number one salute at the weekend which is an incredible feat.

“We hope that others will follow their lead and will support 1 for the Bush this weekend.”

Over the weekend, race meetings will be conducted at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Kilcoy, Barcaldine, Innisfail, Goondiwindi, Thangool and Mount Isa on Saturday.

Sunday race meetings will be held the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Redcliffe, Capalaba and Nanango.