A racing syndicate set up to raise funds for individuals prosecuted under the Hunting Act has raised £40,000 in its first year.
The Fight The Ban Support Fund was established by syndicate organiser Tom Gittins and Tweenhills Stud owner David Redvers to assist with the payment of legal fees and associated costs.
The syndicate had four flat horses in training this season — Hypocrisy, Country Escape, Support Fund and Nanny State — and 300 members.
Mr Gittins told H&H that the profits from the syndicate were solely for the benefit of hunt staff.
He said: “If people need legal aid, then we are there for them. Equally, if the money isn’t needed for that purpose, we’ll give it to the Hunt Staff Benefit Society. Either way, it’s in a high-interest account and we’re trying to do all we can to support those who work in hunting.”
Mr Gittins said that he had been delighted with uptake in the syndicate and was hoping to increase it to 500 shares — at £275 each — next season.
“We’ve kept Support Fund for next year because we think she’ll make a nice three-year-old and we also have two yearlings in the syndicate,” he explained.
Any hunt staff member who needs financial help should contact felix@fighttheban.com
