By EMMA SUN
RACING legend and Belgrave South resident Peter Moody will speak at a special Black Caviar themed fundraising event for the South Belgrave Sporting Precinct on Saturday 15 June.
The event has already been predicted by organisers as potentially “the most successful local fund raising effort in the community’s history”.
The night will bring together other sporting icons including the undefeated mare’s jockey Luke Nolen, sports commentator Sam Kekovich and Gerard Whateley, author of Black Caviar: The Horse of a Lifetime.
The racing identities will discuss all things Black Caviar, from behind the scenes of her triumphant career to the phenomenon that has swept the nation in her 25 race winning streak.
The money raised will go towards the precinct’s $2 million project, which will allow for new sporting facilities, walking paths and seating areas.
Ian Bakens, who spearheaded the event, said it will be testament to the wonderful community spirit of the people of Belgrave South.
“We have set an ambitious target of $40,000 to go towards a benchmark figure of $100,000 which our local council has established as a target to enable us to commence the development of our sporting and community precinct, a project that will better not only sporting groups but the community as a whole,” he said.
South Belgrave Football Club president Wayne Huglin said organisers were delighted to have so many different identities donating their time to attend the night.
“Combine this with the talents and efforts of many people including businesses in the area and beyond, this could potentially be the most successful local fundraising effort in the community’s history,” he said.
Mr Moody, who has always been supportive of his local community, said he was glad to help out and get the ball rolling.
“Black Caviar has been a Belgrave South girl for long time and she has been rated as the world’s best race horse, we’ve got a competitive footy side and a very strong junior side in the district,” he said.
“Hopefully, local and State Government will give us support as we’re only a very small community with facilities in desperate need of upgrade.”
“I urge everyone to try and help us along and do a bit of good for the community – it’s looking like a very good and entertaining evening.”
The football club has made 30 limited edition Black Caviar football jumpers to commemorate the event.
There will be numbers one to 25 to represent each of her wins, as well as five more of the number 25 jumpers and each will have the race history on the back.
Five jumpers, Mr Moody’s favourites, will be auctioned on the night and the rest will be up for sale via www.blackcaviarjumpers.com.au.
The owners will receive a certificate of authenticity, signed by Peter Moody himself.
Tickets for the night, which starts at 7pm, are still available through Ian Bakens on 0412 031 021 and will cost $170 per person, or $150 per person for a table of 10.
