by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
After facing his own cancer battle, Gerald Cayford felt compelled to help out Katie Cox.
He responded by putting up a Creatine yearling he owns on auction site gavelhouse, with all proceeds going to the Katie Cox Appeal Fund.
The horse named Courageous Katie is currently at $2000, with the auction closing just after 7pm on Friday night.
“I’ve only met Katie once but when you think of what she’s going through and I thought you have to do something.”
“The response from everyone in the sport has been outstanding”
Katie Cox was diagnosed earlier this year with a rare form of lung cancer, and a trust was immediately set up to help pay for her expensive medication and treatment.
That appeal is now at an estimated $300,000.
Cayford, a well known owner, breeder and administrator, battled throat cancer this year. It prompted him to make some big decisions, including selling the Golden Fleece Hotel at Waikouaiti just north of Dunedin he owned with wife Rose.
“I’m basically retired though I’ve still got some business interests.”
He bred Courageous Katie himself. She is by Creatine out of his four-win mare Ygritte.
And the rising two-year-old has shown some early ability.
“She’s from a great family,” says Cayford, “and she’s been broken in and had a couple of preps.”
“I reckon she’s worth 10 to 15,000 but whatever she goes for will go to Katie.”
As well as the purchase price the appeal will also get five per cent of all lifetime earnings.
At the moment the horse is at Matty Williamson’s Oamaru stables.
To see the gavelhouse auction click here
