Simone Montgomerie’s loved ones set out on a journey to ride 3000km from her home town Streaky Bay in South Australia to Fannie Bay Racecourse, Darwin, where she was tragically killed almost three years ago. The brainchild of Simone’s father, Peter Montgomerie, the purpose of the ride is to commemorate the 26-days of Simone’s life with a 26-day journey, whilst raising funds for the National Jockeys Trust who provided the family with support following her tragic race fall.
Cycling for Simone has already raised over $180,000 for the National Jockeys Trust, via the generosity of sponsors, donors and local communities and this is on track to continue as the team cycles across the outback throughout July. The team crossed the border with an overnight at Kulgera Roadhouse where they departed last Friday morning. The team are making their way towards Darwin where will arrive at Fannie Bay Racecourse on Friday 29 July.
The team was delighted to be joined by Cycling for Simone ambassador Kerrin McEvoy ,who rode the entire first leg of the ride from Streaky Bay to Wudinna – a 133 kilometre journey. Local Community members have supported the Cycling for Simone team from the Eyre Peninsula through to the Northern Territory border.
Over the eight race meetings of the carnival each female rider who finishes in the top three will earn the following donation for Cycling for Simone: • 1st – Donation: $300 • 2nd – Donation: $200 • 3rd – Donation: $100 “Without the jockeys, who put their lives on the line each and every time they ride, we wouldn’t have an industry so Ladbrokes feels it is important to support those who are so crucial to our sport,” Ladbrokes Head of Media Roger Aldridge said. Leading Darwin rider Vanessa Arnott said she was delighted with the news of Riding for Simone. “It is great to see Ladbrokes coming aboard and joining a great line up of supporters for the Cycling for Simone event. All of us in Darwin were deeply affected by Simone’s passing almost three years ago, in particular the group who shared the female jockey room with her.” Arnott said. “Riding for Simone will give us the opportunity to ride for extra – with every placing earning a donation to the event, which ultimately will be donated by Simone’s family and friends to the National Jockeys Trust.” After 3 meetings, the donation stands at $1800 thanks to Vanessa Arnott ($600); Melanie Tyndall ($500); Rebeka Prest ($300); Jackie Beriman & Kayla Cross ($200 each)
Following Cycling for Simone is easy – check out the website – Click Here- like the Facebook page @simoneslegacy and follow @cycling4simone on Twitter.
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