3 minute read

Emma Booth, a 23 years old equestrian rider, was involved in a road accident travelling home from an event just 18 months ago, suffering a shattered spine leaving her paralysed.

After just 7 months rehabilitation Emma got back into the saddle as a para-equestrian and proceeded in matter of months to achieve great things, becoming a reserve rider for the World Equestrian Games in France 2014. Now she’s on a long road to Rio dreaming of representing Australia as part of the equestrian team at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

In support of Emma’s cause, the Melbourne Racing Club gave the Booth family the opportunity to host their very own raceday today, to raise fund which will make Emma’s Road to Rio a little smoother. The family have raised money through the selling of race sponsorship [9 races] and committee room dining which has raised an estimated $40,000. Emma enjoyed her day at Sportingbet Park which saw her lead out the runners for the sixth race, The Emma Booth Christmas Cup, aboard her trusty steed Rudi. Danger Close trained by Jason Warren and ridden by Craig Newitt were the lucky winners.

In order for Emma to now ride, it is significantly more difficult than before as she requires the help of others to lift her into the saddle. She must also travel to her coach’s property which also requires assistance and therefore restricts Emma’s riding to only three times a week, which in her mind is not adequate enough. All the money raised for Emma will go towards providing her with the facilities and support she needs to make her dream of getting to Rio come true.

To see Emma riding visit www.mrc.racing.com and to support Emma’s Road to Rio you can donate via http://www.ridewithnolimits.com