The racing industry has a reputation for rallying to support its participants when times are tough and right now someone in need of that support is South Island jockey Yong Chew.
Chew is battling throat cancer, a fight compounded by the fact he has found himself completely isolated from his family and friends in Malaysia due to COVID-related travel restrictions.
Apprenticed to Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson, for the last three months, he and his family have become caregivers for the 25-year-old.
"He's putting up a good fight and he's doing well," trainer Lance Robinson told newshub. "I only saw him yesterday, and he's got his chin up and he's doing his best."
Syndicators Go Racing are raising funds for Chew at their inaugural golf tournament on October 15, with Racetrack Support, an arm of the Salvation Army.
Racetrack Support was launched in 2015 by Andrew McKerrow. It was established to care for the wellbeing of people within the racing industry and offers a free confidential service for those in need.
The tournament will be held at Bottle Lake Golf Club in Christchurch and will be followed by fundraising raffles and an auction at the clubhouse.
“I was in the process of organising a golf tournament for Go Racing, a day out for our owners,” Go Racing’s Matt Allnutt said.
“We felt we really needed a purpose behind it as well as it being a social occasion.
“I talked to Andrew and he highlighted Yong’s situation and it was a no brainer for us, a young guy going through this and needing some support.
“We have had a really good uptake and have 120 golfers signed up plus volunteers to help run the day. We have contingency plans in place so we can hold the event safely and in line with whatever COVID Alert Level we may be in.”
Even those not in attendance will be able to support the event, with live bidding available on the auction and a bank account set up for donations.
“We have several big-ticket items on offer at the auction,” Allnutt said. “We have had some very generous donations from right around New Zealand and the world.
“Cam Brae will be auctioneering and the event is more than just a social occasion, it has an important purpose where we can raise funds for someone who is really struggling at the moment.”
Items sourced by Go Racing for the auction include framed plates worn by Bonecrusher, a pair of rugby boots from Bundee Aki who has worn the Chiefs jersey and currently lives in Ireland and played for the British and Irish Lions team during their recent South African tour, signed raceday riding pants from James McDonald, the last set of racing silks worn for Stephen McKee before his retirement, some rare wine from Frenchman’s Hill on Waiheke Island, and a package from New Zealand Bloodstock for Karaka Million night that includes airfares, accommodation and two tickets to the cocktail party.
“All our trainers have been very generous and we have merchandise from Stephen Marsh, Andrew Carston and Chris Waller as well as some from the biggest studs in New Zealand. We are very grateful to everyone who has pitched in to help on the day and put up the prizes to raise some funds,” Allnutt said.
“It is all about the racing industry pulling together and trying to make things a bit better for Yong.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the auction or make a bid can visit www.goracing.co.nz or contact matt@goracing.co.nz. Cash donations can be made directly to 02-0568-0008371-39.
