MEDIA RELEASE
EVERYONE’S COMING OUT FOR THE PINK STILETTO
THE WORLD’S FIRST GAY AND LESBIAN RACE DAY
On February 26 during Sydney’s Mardi Gras festival, Royal Randwick will come alive with the inaugural Pink Stiletto Race Day, the first Gay and Lesbian race day to be held in the world.
The Pink Stiletto will attract thousands of racegoers, gay and straight, who will be ‘coming out’ to Royal Randwick on the eve of Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade. The inaugural event will be in aid of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest-running HIV charity.
The Australian Jockey Club’s (AJC) Chairman, Mr Ron Finemore AO said that the Pink Stiletto is an inspired opportunity to introduce a new theme to the AJC’s diverse racing calendar.
“We are looking forward to seeing a unique fusion of the horse racing traditions we hold important at Royal Randwick and the irreverent fun, outrageous colour and glamour of the Gay and Lesbian community,” said Mr Finemore.
Leading the charge will be Australia’s Queen of racing, Gai Waterhouse, who is the Pink Stiletto Ambassador.
“I’m delighted to be ‘coming out’ at the Pink Stiletto race day and joining the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation in what will be the world’s first gay race day,” said Ms Waterhouse.
Fund raising from the inaugural Pink Stiletto race day will go to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to people living in poverty with HIV.
“The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation has been at the forefront of responding to the HIV epidemic for 25 years,” said Bev Lange, CEO of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
“Right now, we are helping over 1450 people living with HIV – more people than at any time in our history. The money raised through the Pink Stiletto Race Day will directly help these clients.”
“We’re delighted to have the support of both the Australian Jockey Club and Gai Waterhouse in our endeavours to raise awareness about both HIV and the important work Bobby Goldsmith Foundation does for HIV positive people,” said Ms Lange.
AJC CEO, Mr Darren Pearce extended an open invitation to ‘come out’ and join what will be a memorable and exceptional experience at the Pink Stiletto.
“It’s likely that the Fashions on the Field featuring Best Dressed Male, Best Dressed Female and Best Costume will be the most colorful and flamboyant Royal Randwick has ever seen.”
The inaugural Pink Stiletto will be the must-attend social event, set to be a regular fixture on the AJC’s racing calendar and a fabulous way to end a great Sydney summer,” said Mr Pearce.
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The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation is Australia’s oldest HIV/AIDS charity.
Established though community efforts in 1984, the organisation continues to focus its
efforts on improving the quality of life for men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS.
For further information please contact:
Murray Black @ Bobby Goldsmith Foundation: 9283 8666 or murray.black@bgf.org.au
Julia Everingham @ Map and Page: 0416 033 696 or julia@mapandpage.com.au
Jessica U Finch @ e1: 0408 441 845 or Jessica@e1company.com.au