The thoroughbred racing industry in New Zealand and Cure Kids have established a wonderful association in recent years and that support will continue on Saturday, with the Te Rapa Raceday for Cure Kids.

Founded in 1971 by Rotary, Cure Kids is a charity dedicated to enabling high-impact, New Zealand-based medical research for paediatric health conditions. Over five decades have passed, and Cure Kids has invested upwards of $70 million into funding this research, resulting in the betterment of many young Kiwi lives.  

“We support research into a diverse range of health conditions that affect children,” Amanda Piper-Randell, Cure Kids’ General Manager - Partnerships and Funding said.

“That includes childhood cancers, inherited heart conditions, epilepsy, infectious diseases, cystic fibrosis, sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI), stillbirth, burns as well as child and adolescent mental health – and many other areas of research.”

The racing community’s connection with Cure Kids began at Ellerslie Racecourse, where long-time commercial and sponsorship manager Bill Heap played a key role in getting the partnership off the ground. That first raceday at Ellerslie was the beginning of something special. A few years later, the relationship extended to Riccarton Park, through a Cure Kids ambassador family who were passionate about racing and introduced the charity to Tim Mills and his team.

Now, Te Rapa is building on this long-standing partnership. Their involvement came about thanks to Andrew “Butch” Castles, demonstrating how connections across the industry have come together to support Cure Kids.

A highlight of the day will be a heartfelt moment off the track. Cure Kids ambassador James Slyfield, a 19-year-old Waikato University student, will be shaving his hair to raise funds. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at age two, James is now thriving - a living example of the impact Cure Kids' funded research can have.

The head shave will take place just after Race three on the Level three balcony, with hopes that attendees might want to support him with a donation.

“James will be there, sharing his story and showing what’s possible thanks to medical research,” Piper-Randell said. “It’ll be a really special moment.”

Piper-Randell and Brendon Pongia from the Cure Kids team will be based in the Lodge Lounge for the day, hosting attendees, welcoming donations, and sharing more about the charity’s work.

If you can’t be at Te Rapa on Saturday, you can still donate via the Cure Kids website: www.curekids.org.nz.