More than $1m raised for fire fighters

More than $1.3 million has been raised by the Victorian racing industry for the
state's volunteer firefighters.
The money was gathered at Super Saturday at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday.
It includes $1 million from Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation and almost $170,000
donated by jockeys and trainers from their prize money on the race day.
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) chief executive Dale Monteith said the money would be
used to promote volunteerism and the welfare of volunteers.
Many VRC staff gave up a day's annual leave to the cause.
"The suggestion to donate the day's leave came from our staff and I'm delighted to
say the response was magnificent," Mr Monteith said.
Following the success of this year's effort, the VRC has decided the acknowledgment
of the work of volunteers in Victoria will become an annual event on Blamey Stakes
Day, when volunteers will be given free entry.