In the spirit of Christmas and New Year, the Samoa Racing Club yet again shared the love by donating proceeds from its horse racing tournament to the Home of the Elderly at Mapuifagalele.

The tournament held at Tuanaimato the previous weekend and dubbed the Boxing Day Race, was also used to pay tribute to 17-year-old horse trainer and owner of Isabella (horse), the late Aroni Rasch who passed on recently.

The main race of the day was the Aroni Kaberia Peter Paul Rasch Memorial cup. The late horse trainer was the recipient of his own cup race which his own horse Isabella won. Aroni's grandfather, Tuilaepa Peter Rasch received the cup on behalf of his grandson while also fighting back tears.

Vice President of the Samoa Racing Club, Lesa Richard Keil told Samoa Observer that it was an amazing day for the club, as well as the race participants to celebrate and enjoy the camaraderie amid the festive season. 

"The Christmas was sure a pleasant sight of people having fun and laughter. The tote was buzzing with punters belting profitable returns," Lesa said. 

"Samoa Racing wishes all the people of Samoa a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year."

According to Lesa, the proceedings collected from the annual race is always donated to the Home of the Elderly and normally totals over SAT$2,000.

"We also take this opportunity to thank our sponsors (Vailima, SOS, Loibl Spare Parts, Rasch family), all our corporate table holders, past and present supporters, and last but not least, the government of Samoa for your support," Lesa added.

Boxing Day Race (Christmas) results:

Race 1: Local Maiden

1st JANE Owner - Mataafa Meredith, Trainer - Meredith Stabler

2nd ISABELLA

3rd BERRETTA

Race 2: SRC Challenge   C Class

1st KIT KAT Owner - Leilani Clarke, Trainer - Keil, Loibl, Annandale, Clarke, Stabler

2nd SOLAUA PRINCE

3rd MASO

Race 3: Christmas Classic     B Class

1st KING ARTHUR Owner - Merril Loibl, Trainer - Keil, Loibl, Annandale, Clarke, Stabler

2nd VAELISE

3rd LUPE O LE MAUGA

Race 4 : Arenga Popo

1st TELASAU Owner - Peka, Trainer - Joe Tanuvasa

2nd NOKIA

3rd M.S

Race 5 : (Maiden) Aroni Rasch Memorial Trophy

1st ISABELLA Owner - Aroni Rasch, Trainer - Rasch Stables

2nd RANGER

3rd M.S

Race 6 : Santa Sprint     C Class

1st KIT KAT Owner - Leilani Clarke, Trainer - Keil, Loibl, Annandale, Clarke, Stabler

2nd JANE

3rd MASO

Race 7 : Tofa Sprint     B Class

1st KING ARTHUR Owner - Merril Loibl, Trainer - Keil, Loibl, Annandale, Clarke, Stabler

2nd TARZAN

3rd VAELISE