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The Australian Turf Club has partnered with the Mark Hughes Foundation for a series of charity fundraising activities during the upcoming Autumn Carnival and a special race day later this year.

Sales from official merchandise at the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships, plus donations collected on course will go to the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The foundation formed by former Newcastle Knights rugby league player Mark Hughes raises funds and awareness to promote research and to support brain cancer patients and their families.

All proceeds from $5 Golden Slipper pins and $5 The Championships pins will be donated, along with 50 per cent of proceeds from Autumn Carnival Saddle Cloth Auctions. Fifty per cent of sales from the saddle cloths will also go to the National Jockeys Trust.

The Mark Hughes Foundation will receive a percentage of proceeds from an official Golden Slipper Calcutta at Rosehill Bowling Club on Thursday 22 March with special guest Sydney’s seven-time premiership winning trainer Chris Waller.

And the Australian Turf Club and Mark Hughes Foundation will host the inaugural Matt Callander Raceday at Royal Randwick on Saturday 23 June.

In the lead-up to the raceday, the ATC will help to sell beanies on course as part of the Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign.

Australian Turf Club Chairman Laurie Macri said: ‘’The ATC is delighted to support the outstanding work of the Mark Hughes Foundation which helps so many people across our communities.

“Racing and rugby league share many bonds and friendships and we hope to bring many of our fans together to support this great cause.’’

Mark Hughes said: “We are delighted to join with the ATC during the upcoming Autumn Carnival. It started off with a bang on TAB Everest Raceday, and we are so happy to strengthen that partnership.

“It is particularly special given our very close relationship with the Callander family.”