Newcastle Knights Sign Their Newest Dog’d Defender For Charity
‘Knights Defender' will be raced by Dally M Winger of the Year and NRL leading try scorer, Akuila Uate, with all prize money generated donated to Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services and the Hunter Surf Life Saving Association.
‘Knights Defender' will step out for his first start at a bumper race meeting at The Gardens this Friday afternoon, November 12. The Gardens Complex is located on Sandgate Road Birmingham Gardens, with the first race scheduled for 3.47pm, while ‘Knights Defender' will debut in race four which is set to go at 4.47pm, with the flashy chaser jumping from box seven.
In an added bonus, all Newcastle Knights 2011 Members will be admitted free of charge to the meeting, where Akuila Uate will be trackside to lead ‘Knights Defender' to the starting boxes. Some of Aku's Knights' teammates will also be in attendance, cheering on ‘Knights Defender' and signing autographs as well.
Newcastle Knights CEO Steve Burraston is excited about the promotion that is aimed at raising funds for the two local charities and helping promote the Knights' membership campaign.
“We are all looking forward to seeing Knights Defender run this week and if he can win some prize money for the two charities that would be great,” Mr Burraston said.
“Aku was the perfect choice to be the face of this campaign being a natural speedster himself and one of our member's favourite players.
“Let's hope ‘Knights Defender' can show some speed like Aku and put a few smiles on the faces of our members who take up the free admission offer at The Gardens on Friday night.”
NSW NCA General Manager, Adam Dobbin, was also full of enthusiasm for the concept, confident the Newcastle community would get behind such a great cause.
“The NCA is proud to be involved in such a great initiative, through its racing operation at The Gardens,” Mr Dobbin said.
“Showcasing ‘Knights Defender' at The Gardens is something we are really looking forward too, so hopefully everyone will jump on board and follow his progression with interest.
“Let's hope it captures the imagination of the greater Newcastle community and we can raise some much needed funds for charity.”
Richard Jones, from Westpac Rescue Helicopter Services, is delighted to be in the ‘Knights Defender' kennel.
“It is a pleasure to be involved in this promotion with the Knights, SLSA Hunter Branch, and the NCA, and we look forward to a successful outcome for all concerned,” Mr Jones said.
Adding to the spirit of the promotion, Greyhound Racing NSW will allow ‘Knights Defender' to wear a special ‘Knights' race vest at each of his starts, allowing supporters to track his efforts even closer.
‘Knights Defender' will be trained under the watchful eye of Group One winning trainer Robert Smith, who recently won the $100,000 Paws Of Thunder in Sydney.
So make sure you get to The Gardens this Friday (November 12), to cheer on ‘Knights Defender' in the opening ‘defence of your kingdom.'
If you can't be trackside this Friday night make sure you support Knights Defender on the punt and get the best odds available through either Sportsbet or Iasbet.