Queensland's drought-stricken communities will receive more than $50,000 after a fund-raising initiative by Racing Queensland at the weekend.
With the help of four corporate bookmakers, RQ raised $52,600 which will be donated to the QCWA's Public Rural Crisis Fund.
The initiative, dubbed “1 For The Bush” involved $1000 being donated every time a runner carrying the No. 1 saddlecloth won a thoroughbred, harness or greyhound race in Queensland on Saturday and Sunday.
Betting operators Tabcorp, Ladbrokes, Sportsbet and BetEasy agreed to match RQ's contribution dollar for dollar, ensuring a $5000 windfall every time the No. 1 was successful.
The saddlecloth registered 10 wins, eight at thoroughbred meetings, one harness and one greyhound win.
The total was brought to $52,600 when the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club donated $1000 while the Kilcoy Race Club and Kilcoy Diggers provided $800 apiece through their meeting.
In addition, the top-three place getters from the TAB Country Cups Challenge Final at Doomben on Saturday – Deadly Choices ($5000), San Vincenzo ($3000) and French Hussler ($2000) – were awarded $10,000 by RQ to donate to a rural charity of their choice.
“The industry's response to 1 for the Bush was particularly heartening,” RQ Chairman Steve Wilson said.