10 jockeys are confirmed to wear red boots on Schweppes WATC Derby Day
The WA racing industry is coming together to support a great cause this Derby Day, with jockeys, trainers and spectators teaming up to support the 1,087 families who call the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) home.
The Red Shoe Society Soiree on Saturday 21 April will paint the track red, with ten jockeys set to ride the finale of the Autumn Racing Carnival in red boots to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
Perth Racing Managing Director Professor John Yovich he was proud to see the industry coming together to support a great cause.
“The racing industry operates and receives a lot of support from people across regional WA, so this is one way for us to give back to the community.”
“With the RMH enabling regional families to stay together and provide them with a home away from home during a difficult time, I can’t think of a more deserving charity to support,” Mr Yovich said.
This is the fifth consecutive year Perth Racing are raising funds for RMH through Red Shoe Society on Derby Day.
Perth Racing Ambassador Brittany Taylor encouraged the public to come out to Ascot to enjoy the Group 2 $400,000 Schweppes-WATC Derby, and dress up for a great cause.
“It’s the last day of the Autumn Racing Carnival, so I encourage everyone to get their black and white outfits ready for a great day – and of course to add a touch of red,” Ms Taylor said.
Jockeys confirmed to wear red boots on Derby Day includes William Pike, Jarrad Noske, Patrick Carbery, Clint Johnston-Porter, Shaun O’Donnell, Chris Parnham, Steven Parnham, Lucy Warwick, Shaun McGruddy and Joseph Azzopardi.
Each jockey will wear custom-made bright red boots donated by Oz Jockey Boots.
TABtouch will also join in on the fundraising, committing to donating a percentage all bets wagered via the TABtouch app on the day.
Ronald McDonald House Perth keeps families close by providing a home away from home for regional WA families who have a sick child receiving hospital treatment in Perth.