Industry rallies to give ‘A Helping Hand for Ash’

The harness racing industry is once again demonstrating its generosity, this time uniting to support young New South Wales horsewoman Ashley Hart.

“A Helping Hand For Ash” is to support the 28-year-old trainer and driver, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Wagga Harness Racing Club has launched an online auction with a wide range of stallion services and equine products, as well as a major raffle.

“The auction is live now and will finish on Monday, September 8 at 6pm. We’re also conducting an online raffle featuring a variety of prizes and a huge thanks goes to all who have donated to the fundraiser,” the club said.

“All funds raised will go directly to Ash. Your participation will help make a difference in her life during this challenging time and we thank everyone for their support.”

The auction items include services to top standardbred sires such as Ride High, Follow The Stars, For A Reason, Tintin In America and Warrawee Needy, as well as thoroughbred sire Sandbar (standing at Kooringal Stud, Wagga Wagga for $13,200 incl GST).

Auction bids close at 6pm on Monday September 8.

Other donations include:

• An entry and sustaining fee from Nutrien Equine Standardbred
• A $1000 voucher from Woodlands Stud
• A work sulky from Steven Harris, T-Line Steel and Pinnacle Powdercoaters
• An $800 Carbine Chemicals hamper
• Two Runners Relief hampers from Mick Boots
• Two harness sets and hopples from Garrards
• A Milton & Co shoeing apron
• A Zilco Buxton breastplate
• 500kg of Conqueror Milling Product
• Two Mustard Australia shoeing vests

The raffle will run until Thursday, October 24, with a live draw to be conducted at the Wagga meeting the following day.

Ashley, who is the older sister of star reinsman Cameron Hart, says the industry’s efforts have meant the world to her.

“I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

“The Wagga Club and all those working hard behind the scenes in organizing the fundraiser have been awesome in supporting me.

“To everyone who has reached out to myself and my family with love and support, I offer a big thank you. It’s meant the world to me.”

Ashley began race driving in the 2016/17 season and has recorded 88 winners and 210 placings.

Her standout year was 2021, when she landed 19 wins and 53 placings, including a Group 3 feature at Menangle – the $30,000 Garrards Horse and Hound Ladyship Stakes with Spellbound (Art Major) for trainer Nathan Purdon. During that same season, she also drove three other metropolitan winners.

As a trainer, she notably recorded her first winner with her first starter in a Group 3 feature at Menangle Defiant (Roll With Joe) in the Club Menangle Winter Championship in 2022.

To access the auction, click here: https://auctionsplus.com.au/auctions/charity/a-helping-hand-for-ash/126844

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink