Hamish Bond far right next to Eric Murray
Tara Hughes
The highly anticipated Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday is nearly here and Hawke's Bay Racing Club were excited to announce on Tuesday morning that gold medallist Hamish Bond will be the guest of honour at the event on Saturday week.
Bond and rowing partner Eric Murray secured New Zealand's first gold medal at Rio, smashing the rest of the field by 2.8 seconds.
Hawke's Bay locals will get a chance to see Bond's gold medal in the flesh, he'll sign autographs and pose for photographs before attending a High Tea event for Cancer Society volunteers.
"I'm excited to be heading down to Hawke's Bay to help raise money for such an incredible cause. As someone who spends most of the day training in the sun, the danger of skin cancer is something that weighs heavily on my mind and the Cancer Society does an incredible job of spreading the sunsmart message," Bond said.
Bond will present a trophy to the winners of the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes and will be hosted by the team from Westbury Stud - home of outstanding young stallion Makfi.
He will be joined on the day by Black Sticks hopeful medalist and hockey sensation Anita McLaren (nee Punt) and the pair will play off in a series of sporting events with Hawke's Bay students.
Hawke's Bay Racing CEO Andrew (Butch) Castles said it's a great thrill to have Bond and McLaren at Daffodil Raceday just 48 hours after they touch down from Rio.
"The Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday is fast becoming an iconic event that the region can be proud of. It's a day to bring the whole family and enjoy some fantastic racing while raising money for a cause that touches us all."
Now in its third year, Daffodil Raceday is a fundraiser for the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society and entry to the racecourse is by donation.
For more information go to www.theraces.co.nz/page/daffodil-raceday
Bond and rowing partner Eric Murray secured New Zealand's first gold medal at Rio, smashing the rest of the field by 2.8 seconds.
Hawke's Bay locals will get a chance to see Bond's gold medal in the flesh, he'll sign autographs and pose for photographs before attending a High Tea event for Cancer Society volunteers.
"I'm excited to be heading down to Hawke's Bay to help raise money for such an incredible cause. As someone who spends most of the day training in the sun, the danger of skin cancer is something that weighs heavily on my mind and the Cancer Society does an incredible job of spreading the sunsmart message," Bond said.
Bond will present a trophy to the winners of the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes and will be hosted by the team from Westbury Stud - home of outstanding young stallion Makfi.
He will be joined on the day by Black Sticks hopeful medalist and hockey sensation Anita McLaren (nee Punt) and the pair will play off in a series of sporting events with Hawke's Bay students.
Hawke's Bay Racing CEO Andrew (Butch) Castles said it's a great thrill to have Bond and McLaren at Daffodil Raceday just 48 hours after they touch down from Rio.
"The Makfi Challenge Stakes Daffodil Raceday is fast becoming an iconic event that the region can be proud of. It's a day to bring the whole family and enjoy some fantastic racing while raising money for a cause that touches us all."
Now in its third year, Daffodil Raceday is a fundraiser for the Hawke's Bay Cancer Society and entry to the racecourse is by donation.
For more information go to www.theraces.co.nz/page/daffodil-raceday