Canberra Greyhound Racing Club is hoping to change paraplegic Ricky Small’s life through a special fundraiser being held in conjunction with upcoming feature event The Legends.
Canberra GRC introduced the $10,000 to-the-winner Legends onto its feature race calendar last year, with the aim to each year pay tribute to a greyhound racing ‘legend’.
The late trainer/administrator Jim Patton was recognised in the inaugural Legends, with iconic race caller Paul Ambrosoli, who’s held a long-standing affinity with Canberra, to be honoured during this year’s series, which kicks off with heats on May 25.
In addition to unveiling Paul Ambrosoli as its second ‘Legend’, Canberra has confirmed it will be holding its major fundraiser for the year in conjunction with the innovative feature event, with the beneficiary to be Sydney-based Canberra GRC member Ricky Small, who’s a paraplegic as a result of a mining accident seven years ago.
Canberra GRC has announced details of a raffle with proceeds going towards a car fitted for a paraplegic, which is being provided by Country Motors Nowra Hyundai, with the intention to present the car to Small on Legends final night, June 1.
“The Club has received significant cash donations to start the fund raiser and we anticipate selling around 3000 raffle tickets at $10 each,” Canberra GRC Chairman Ashley Dwyer explained.
“This is a lot of tickets to sell and the Club has received much appreciated support from the NSW GBOTA to sell tickets through their race tracks. Additionally there has been overwhelming support from GBOTA branches to help out, as well as sales through both Melbourne tracks and most other NSW tracks.”
The raffle prizes include first prize of a pup reared to 12 months courtesy of Cawbourne Racing, while second prize is a framed print of Fiorente winning the Melbourne Cup personally signed by trainer Gai Waterhouse and jockey Damian Oliver, courtesy of thoroughbred racing journalist and successful greyhound owner Clinton Payne.
Other major prizes include several greyhound stud services, education courses, transport, veterinary services and electrical goods.
“I still can’t believe they’re doing it for me,” Ricky Small told The Recorder earlier this year when informed he would be the beneficiary of Canberra GRC’s generosity.
“About seven years ago I fell down a mine shaft and busted my spine. I’ve been in a wheelchair since then and because it was my own mine I wasn’t covered. I was in hospital for a year and went into debt, but I’ve sorted that out now. I’ve always tried to stay very positive and not let it get me down too much.
“I’ve been amongst greyhounds for most of my life and I got involved with Canberra through a good mate of mine who lives at Gunning, George Solomons. I really enjoy going to the dogs but it’s a bit of a hassle having to rely on someone else to get there.
“I’ve been down to Canberra a few times with George and this all came about when I went to the trials one night and got talking to a few of the fellows. They could see the problems I was having getting around and they really wanted to help me, which is just amazing.”
Further information on the raffle can be found on Canberra GRC’s website, Canberragreyhound.com.au">www.Canberragreyhound.com.au.
