By MIKE HILL
AMY Broadrick is hoping to raise thousands of dollars for a group of south-east Queensland greyhound trainers who lost everything in the recent floods.
“One trainer, his wife and their dogs had to be rescued from the roof of their house at the height of the floods,” said Amy.
“They’ve lost everything and they need our help. We’re hoping to raise thousands of dollars for the group that includes Peter Carleton, Keith Donaldson, Pat Dennis, Rick Nelson, Peter Wilson and Shane Topping.
“Because they live in flood-prone areas they couldn’t insure their homes.
“They’ve been left with virtually nothing. Several have even had their homes condemned.
“Their whole world has come crashing down. I’m just doing what I hope others would do for me if we were in the same situation.
“We all need someone to have our backs. I’m hoping we can give them a couple of thousand dollars each or more with a bit of luck.”
Amy, a trainer herself based at West Ipswich, has put together a wonderful raffle comprising 15 straws from some of the best young sires in the land.
“They include Shima Shine, Sennachie, Orson Allen, Bernado, Good Odds Harada, Fast Times and Stinger Noir,” she said.
“The stud representatives I contacted were so eager to help the appeal. The Daillys, George and Andrea, were the first ones on board and offered two straws from Shima Shine.”
The superstar sprinter only retired from the track in the second half of last year after a sensational career that included 37 wins from 64 starts and $738,268 in earnings.
He is now standing at stud for a fee of $3300.
“Michelle Westerveld from Meticulous Lodge was delighted to help and offered an Orson Allen straw,” Amy said.
“The Daillys and Michelle were texting every day to see if they could do more, while Jenny Gill and the Doctor Kennels donated a Bernardo straw.
Highlighting how much they wanted to assist, Amy said it was the first time a Bernardo free service had been offered by the stud.
She also thanked Ipswich club president Rob Essex for his amazing help.
“Without Rob we wouldn’t have been able to put the fundraiser together,” Amy said.
She said ticket prices varied – $20 for one, $50 for three, $80 for five and $150 for 10.
The raffle, which will be live streamed, will be drawn at the Ipswich club on Saturday, May 28.
Tickets are available at the club or from Amy Broadrick (phone: 0481 244 866).
The full list of sires on offer: Shima Shine, Bernardo, Sennachie, Orson Allen, Zulu Zeus, Whiskey Riot, Hooked On Scotch, Jury, Good Odds Harada, Raw Ability, Fast Times, Barooga Brett, Handsome Prince and Stinger Noir.
