Westview Racing and the Witches of Westview marked a night to remember by generously giving back to the industry recently.
Nigel and Brenda Armstrong (founders of Westview Racing) are widely respected in the harness racing industry for their dedication to ownership and ensuring a positive and affordable option for those wishing to be involved in the ownership experience.
Together they volunteer and assist at Addington Raceway on race nights with owners, hosting winning owners, sponsors and fielding general ownership enquiries.
But most recently, and fittingly on the same night that Westview’s 2yo filly Spellbound made her winning debut, Nigel and Brenda with support from Addington Raceway turned their attention to giving back to the industry.
Following the serious car crash involving Margo Nyhan and Peter Davis on Waitangi Day, Nigel felt compelled to help the couple out. So he set up a fundraising silent auction which was held in conjunction with the race meeting at Addington on Friday 22 February.
“I had met Pete and Margo through racing on the coast and also bumped into them quite often at the races around Canterbury,” Nigel said. “They’re such down to earth and genuine people that love their horses. You can’t help but like them.”
“We just wanted to help out in any way we could, we know they would do the same for anyone else.”
Addington Raceway kindly provided the President’s Suite oncourse to host the silent auction which included a wide variety of items including a dual sulky ride behind Monkey King donated by Dancingonmoonlight Farm, multiple jewelry items from Pascoes the Jeweler and signed Harness Jewels colours from Shez All Rock’s win in 2018.
The latter was fittingly purchased by Shez All Rock’s New Jersey based owner, Chris Ryder, who happened to be oncourse on the night with visiting American trainer Jimmy Takter, and Chris was thrilled to be able to take home with him a piece of Harness Jewels history.
A stunning $8,000 was raised in just one night by the fundraiser, a wonderful effort by all involved.
A presentation was made to Margo Nyhan the following week at Addington Raceway.
Nigel said he would like to acknowledge the support of all those who contributed items to the night and also the support of Addington Raceway, Maree Smolenski and Fliss O’Reilly.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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