News

Sonn stepping out for charity

2nd Jun 2014

Racing Victoria - Monday, 2 June 2014

Sonntag will be running for charity when he contests Saturday’s Group One Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm

In an initiative to raise money for Riding For The Disabled Victoria, the Sonntag's owners have agreed to donate a percentage of any prizemoney earned in the Derby plus involve a lucky person to be an ‘Owner for a Day’.

RSN Racing and Sport presenter Shane Anderson, part-owner of Sonntag, said that the ownership group was keen to share the thrill of having a Group One runner.

“It is such a privilege to have a runner in a race like the Derby and we want to share that opportunity”, said Anderson.

“We have set aside a total of 5% of any prizemoney that Sonntag could potentially earn in the race to go to Riding For The Disabled Victoria.

“If Sonntag is successful in the race, that will equate to $13,600.

“It is a charity that does so many great things for those with a disability and, through the equine link, we would love any good fortune that may come our way to be shared with them.

“However, it is not as if we are a dominant favourite in the race so we need to make sure that there are other opportunities that guarantee financial support to the cause.

“Through Ownerforaday.com, we will be giving a person the opportunity to join the ownership group of Sonntag for the Queensland Derby whereby the highest bidder in an auction for that experience will join us at Eagle Farm.”

The winning bidder will be flown to Brisbane from either Melbourne or Sydney, with one night’s accommodation at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane, courtesy of Inglis.

“Sonntag was purchased by us through the Inglis sale ring and it is great that they have assisted us by covering flights and accommodation for the Owner for a Day concept”, said Anderson.

“Additionally, the Brisbane Racing Club have provided access for the lucky person to join us in the members enclosure, and be a part of the pre race activity in the mounting yard.

“Tatts have also provided a $250 each way bet on Sonntag in the big race.”

Sonntag was purchased by Caulfield based trainer Henry Dwyer at the Inglis August Sale at Oakland Junction last year, through the Darley Australia reduction draft.

“I have had success with tried horses previously”, said Dwyer.

“Darley horses have some of the best pedigrees and confirmation around so you just know that you are guaranteed a class animal.

“They are fantastic in how they put horses through their system but trade them if they don’t meet their specific requirements.

“He had shown potential in three starts for Darley and gave me the impression that he may develop into a nice staying type, as he is such a naturally athletic horse, and we managed to pick him up for $58,000.

“I gelded him straight away but he then had a few issues, in fact he got very sick there for a while but that may have proven a blessing in disguise as it meant that I have had to take my time with him.

“In four starts for me, he has won twice and placed on the other two occasions and is doing everything right.

“There is a lovely group of owners involved, some are having their first experience in racehorse ownership, and they want to share that enjoyment as much as possible.”

Dwyer has only been training in his own right for 11 months, and is excited to have a Group 1 runner so early in his career.

“I was lucky to have worked with Aquanita as Robert Smerdon’s assistant trainer, and also spent time working for Lloyd Williams”, said Dwyer.

“The knowledge gained through those experiences are invaluable.”

Sonntag’s owners are thankful to racing industry partners for assisting with fundraising for Riding For The Disabled Victoria.

“Tabcorp, Racing Victoria, Melbourne Racing Club, Victoria Racing Club and Inglis have all been fantastic in assisting us by offering items that can be auctioned off”, said Anderson.

“Now we just hope that there are people out there who want to bid and get involved.”

If you are interested in bidding to be ‘Owner for a Day’ with Sonntag in the Queensland Derby this weekend, you can place your bid here