Betfred boss Fred Done has decided to re-enter the world of racehorse ownership with his colours set to be carried this National Hunt season in the name of charity.
His purchase, named Playtogetaway, will run this winter in Fred’s blue and green silks with all prize money achieved from the gelding’s performances to be awarded to The Christie’s Hospital in Manchester.
The Christie charity supports the work of leading cancer centre The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.
Fred said: “We have been in unprecedented times in the last couple of years and the NHS has been at the forefront of it. I have always supported health charities and thought this was an ideal opportunity to give something back and say a big thank you for all their efforts while providing a fun journey following the career of a racehorse.”
Marie Toller, head of major relationships at The Christie charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Fred for this wonderfully generous commitment and support. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.”
Playtogetaway is in training with former champion jockey Jonjo O’Neill at Jackdaws Castle and made a pleasing recent debut at Warwick, finishing sixth in a hot looking bumper.
Jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jnr said: “Playtogetaway did very well for his summer break and showed plenty of promise at Warwick, just getting a little outpaced late on. He will probably need a longer trip in time, but we will keep him to two miles for his hurdles debut.”.
Playtogetaway, a gorgeous chestnut son of Getaway, came to Jackdaws Castle in March and will be back in action this week at Hereford for his hurdles debut and continue through the winter in the hope of raising funds for a very worthwhile cause.
