Community
30 October, 2025
Generosity helps keep kids in the saddle
THE generosity of some of the most prominent harness racing identities has helped to raise more than $6000 for a local cause.
The Terang Harness Racing Club saw plenty of action trackside at its October meet thanks to the auction of a stake in a horse to raise funds for Terang Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA).
Terang Harness Racing Club president Chris O’Connor said he was thrilled for the club to help raise so much for such a great cause.
“We raised most of the money from an auction we had on the night after the Lee and Craven family was kind enough to offer us a share in a horse,” he said.
“It went spectacularly well so I think the money we raised was above all expectations and it turned out to be a very successful night.
“We’re pleased to be able to help out a group such as the RDA.
“I think the fact we were raising money for the RDA had something to do with the price – people see it as a great cause worth supporting, as we do, so we’re very happy to support it.
“Hopefully it goes a long way towards supporting their operations for the next 12 months.”
Mr O’Connor said harness racing had seen a strong year so far in 2025, and felt the growth of facilities for events in Terang would only position local clubs well to support local causes.
“We’re only as good as the people who support us, so for us to be able to help is great,” he said.
“It’s a good cause – we’d love to do things like this more often.
“While we didn’t participate in the money side of it, people had the chance to come out and see our product – which we’re very proud of.”
RDA Terang vice president Ross Thomson said he was elated with the success of the fundraiser, thanking everyone involved for their willingness to support the volunteers behind RDA.
“It is way beyond our expectations,” he said.
“I came to Chris earlier in the year with my cap in hand because we have a real difficulty in raising funds.
“We do it indoors at Glenormiston College so sponsorship is not something we can easily have.
“But RDA is all about the Hampden P-12 school and supporting the students with what we can do for them.
“They’re all dealing with different challenges and our challenge is the financial aspect of running it – the cost of insurance, the equipment and ongoing costs such as replacing helmets regularly.”
Mr Thomson said economic difficulties had hit everyone – with even volunteer-led organisations feeling the pinch.
“We have people who bring their own horses at a cost – we give them a little money to pay for fuel but the costs build up,” he said.
“As with everything, costs are through the roof and ours is no different.
“Chris suggested they could do something and it evolved into this night – which was a fabulous night out at the track.
“To raise the money that we did, with people so kindly donating to this cause, was outstanding.
“What the trotting club has done is very special.”