17 November 2020 Fundraising
Supporters of the Motor Neurone Disease Association will be cheering on a very special racehorse in the future – Burrow Seven, named in honour of rugby league hero Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in December 2019.
The three year old gelding with a promising racing career ahead of him, is supported by members who have paid to join the exclusive Burrow Seven Racing Club, and is expected to take part in his first professional race in the new year with the aim of competing at Cheltenham.
All profits from the Burrow Seven Racing Club will be donated for MND research and recorded in to Rob’s MND Association Fight Back Fund along with all prize money won by Burrow Seven.
The fundraising initiative is being supported by former rugby league player and close friend of Rob, Barrie McDermott. He said:
“We think we’ve hit upon something original, inclusive and exciting with Burrow Seven. I’ve met this horse and can testify that it has the same fighting spirit as Rob. We have high aspirations for how much money and awareness we can raise for Rob and the MND Association. Plus, we hope to have a lot of fun along the way!”
Rob met the racehorse for the first time at Burrow Seven’s training yard in North Yorkshire early in November. He said:
“I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’ve been excited about this fundraising campaign for some time but meeting this magnificent racehorse was something else. I’m really honoured to have him named after me and I can’t wait to see him in his first race. Thank you to everyone who supports the MND Association by taking part.”
A love of racing runs in Rob’s family. His dad Geoff said:
“Rob’s late grandad Bobby Bateman loved horses and used to spend hours reading the form books before having a flutter. If Bobby knew that Rob had a thoroughbred named after him he would be over the moon!”
Membership of the Burrow Seven Racing Club costs just £59. People can join the racing club at www.burrowseven.com