The Canterbury Jockey Club and LOVERACING.NZ will stage the second annual Red Nose Raceday on Friday, 26 July, in support of New Zealand’s largest charitable funder of child health, Cure Kids.

Riccarton Park held the inaugural event last season with the support of Christchurch-based Professor Andrew Day and Cure Kids chief executive Frances Soutter, who emphasised the vital support of New Zealanders on Red Nose Day.

“Cure Kids has a clear mission to improve child health, and funds raised on Red Nose Day contribute to innovative research initiatives addressing various health conditions affecting children,” Soutter said.

“Among the significant research efforts being made possible through generous donations from New Zealanders are studies on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).”

“In the South Island, where the rates of IBD among children and adolescents are considerably higher than in the North Island, Cure Kids is supporting Christchurch based Professor Andrew Day and his team at the University of Otago in their pioneering research. Their work aims to gain a better understanding of the causes of IBD and develop effective management strategies for affected children.”

“The donations raised will play a crucial role in funding ongoing research that has the potential to transform the lives of children not just in New Zealand but worldwide.”

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Head of Marketing, Communications and Wagering Partnerships, Dan Smith, was proud to recognise the meeting as a significant fundraiser in the organisation’s yearly effort.

“The Thoroughbred industry recognises the importance of charity and community and as the sport’s governing body, we are delighted to be supporting Riccarton Park’s Red Nose Raceday and Cure Kids with their biggest annual fundraiser,” Smith said.

The red-and-white spotted Cure Kids silks were on display in 2023, winning three races and Canterbury Jockey Club CE, Tim Mills, will again select this year’s runners with LOVERACING.NZ dedicated to donating $1,000 for every winner donning the colours.

"We're thrilled to be involved with an organisation like Cure Kids, which is undertaking research to look after the next generation, the future fans of our sport,” Mills said.

“You can't help but think that's a really important charity to stand behind, and we want to do as much as we can for them.”

The horses carrying the Cure Kids colours on Friday include:
Race 1 – #3 MONTERO
Race 2 - #5 BRUSSET
Race 3 - #1 OUR BRAVEHEART
Race 4 - #2 INSPIRATION
Race 5 - #5 RUE DE RIVOLI
Race 6 - #7 KANA
Race 7 - #7 DEVIL IN DISGUISE
Race 8 - #8 DA VINCI GIRL
Race 9 - #6 IFFIN DOUBT DANCE

The afternoon will also include a charity lunch, with Professor Andrew Day, rugby league legend Frank Endacott, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, former Crusader Adam Whitelock, ex-Black Cap Todd Astle, and Cure Kids’ South Island Engagement Lead Will Hall, of Shortland Street and Westside fame, attending to show their support of this influential cause.

Generosity from within and beyond the thoroughbred industry has been shown through a wonderful silent and live auction full of great items, including the Red Nose colours signed by last year’s winning jockeys.

The crowd is ensured entertainment from the equine participants on the track, but also of a different species with the “Dino Derby”, an inflatable dinosaur race called by commentator Dan Fogarty down the home straight at Riccarton Park.

To support this fantastic cause, further information is available at racing.riccartonpark.nz/rednoseday or make a difference with your own fundraiser or donation through rednoseday.co.nz.