It was the Mane Event in Cambridge on Sunday where crowd favourite therapy pony Monty led everyone a merry walk to Riding for the Disabled Association’s fundraiser at its Alpha St headquarters behind the Gaslight Theatre.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing recruitment coordinator Brigitte Corban watches as a delighted Nicholas Collins rides the simulator. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Stalls, live music and pop up stalls kept the crowd entertained as did New Zealand Thoroughbred’s racehorse simulator, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and a valuable tool to promote a career in the racing industry.
Nicholas Collins, 7, of Hautapu School needed little encouragement to hop on and give it a try.
His grandparents Les and Helen Collins have racing in the blood. Les was a well-performed jockey in the 1970s before becoming a track rider and latterly a trainer. The couple own Dear Oh Dear, a seven-year-old mare who loves racing on synthetic tracks rather than turf. All her four wins have been on the artificial surface.
Nicholas’ face broke out in joy as he hopped on the simulator and watched himself on the big screen.
Les and Helen looked on proudly as another generation got the same enjoyment out of racing that they do.
Cambridge RDA president Wendy Morgan said the Mane Event was about inclusivity, connection, and celebrating all abilities while raising much-needed funds for Cambridge RDA’s therapeutic riding programmes.
RDA is a charitable organisation supporting those living with disabilities to experience growth and opportunity through riding and interacting with horses.
Nicholas Collins, on the racehorse simulator, with his grandfather Les Collins, a former top jockey, and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing recruitment coordinator Brigitte Corban. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
