Monday, 14 March 2011, 9:50 am
Press Release: Ellerslie
After two and a half months, the worlds longest ever horse race drew to a close this afternoon at Ellerslie racecourse. Raising a total of $67,153, this race has seen 18 fibreglass horses, painted by well known New Zealanders, travel all over Auckland raising money for 18 charities.
Auctions for 17 of these horses went live on Trade Me three weeks ago and prices for them rose steadily today, before closing off in a bidding war shortly after 2.00pm.
Auckland Racing Club CEO Chris Weaver was on hand to present the Trust with their prize and to join a large crowd in congratulating all of those involved in the Resene Fastest Art Exhibition Campaign.
He also presented Starship Children’s Hospital with a cheque for $5,000 for having the most popular horse on Facebook. Each horse has its own page and was jockeying for position in a competition to receive the most “Likes”. The Starship horse, painted lovingly by Actress Lucy Lawless, proved a favourite with fans, votes coming from as far away as Scotland.
(Reported by Barbara Davies)