The Tuncurry Forster Jockey Club has raised $2800 for the Men of League Charity Foundation following a race day on February 18.
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A bumper crowd was on hand for the six race program that was designed to raise funds for families in the rugby league community.
Rugby league identities Paul Langmack, Michael Hagan, John Dorahy, Harry Wells, Jim Leis, Charlie Haggett, Dennis O’Neill, Peter Walsh, Mick Adams, Mick Stone, John Sullivan and Dennis Tutty were joined by sports journalist Dean Ritchie in meeting with racegoers, taking photos and signing autographs.
A pass-the-football competition, give-aways and raffles kept the crowd entertained all while raising funds for the charity.
On the track, Tuncurry trainer Terry Evans scored a win in the Twin Towns Toyota Benchmark 55 Handicap as jockey Wanderson D’Avilla rode Not Doubtful to victory.
Port Macquarie trainer Neil Godbolt managed a second place in this race with Artova, ridden by Alison Threadwell.
Jockey Chris O’Brien rode two winners for the day, Smiling All in the Taree Mercedes Benz Class 3 Handicap and Irish Duke in the Twin Towns Toyota Maiden Plate.
Racing concluded with County Crown, ridden by Robert Agnew and trained by Stan Thomas, winning the Taree Mercedes Benz Class 1 Handicap.
The Men of League Foundation will return to the Great Lakes on Friday with the holding of the Forster Golf Classic.
The Forster Golf Classic, which has become a ‘must do’ event, acts as a complementary fund-raiser for the charity.
Former NRL player and Men of League welfare manager Ben Ross said he was keen to take on the Forster course while recognising the importance of supporting the community.
“I look forward to catching up with everyone at the event, playing some golf and having a great time with our rugby league community,” Ben said.
“Being from the country, I know how important the support is from our regional committees.
“Everyone at some stage in their life will go through tough times and that is where our volunteers will be there to support our rugby league community.”
Ben will be joined by several former rugby league players including Fred Jones, Ziggy Niszczot, Harry Wells and Noel Kelly as well as Jim Leis, Mick Adams and Mick Stone who turned out for the race event.
Breakfast, lunch and golf packages are available for patrons on the day.
Full details and bookings can be made through the Forster Golf Club.
Registration must be made at 7am before the event gets underway at 8am.