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By Phillip O'Brien

Racing Mates continues to raise mental health awareness to the racing industry following another successful BBQ get-together hosted at the Coffs Harbour race meeting on Sunday, July 23rd.

(L-R): At Coffs Harbour were Zac Wadick, Pat Webster & Courtney Bellamy

Ambassador Pat Webster was on hand to promote the Racing Mates ‘Let’s Talk’ concept, which brings racing industry participants together for a chat over a BBQ.

Coffs Harbour Racing Club director Merv Mercer joined the event as BBQ chef which was well-received by all.

“Merv must have cooked up at least 80 sausages, so no one went hungry,” said Coffs Racing Chief Executive Officer, Tim Saladine.

Webster’s visit was well-received with participants from as far as Newcastle to the Queensland border and beyond coming together.

“It was good to have Pat here and everyone appreciated it,” Saladine said. “The message definitely spread across the region and brought more people together.

“Coffs Harbour Racing Club is very supportive of Racing Mates and its concept to get everyone talking and supporting each other.”

The Coffs Harbour Racing Mates get-together follows several other state-wide events over the 2022-23 racing season in which mental health awareness is the driving concept.

Pat was joined during the day by jockeys riding at the meeting, trainers and strappers and all type of racing participant, keen for a chat over a cup of tea.

“It’s all about bringing people together and getting them to talk to one another,” Webster said. “Times can get tough for some, and people are more likely to open up and speak to a colleague who knows where they are coming from.”

Webster praised the Coffs Harbour Racing Club for hosting the event.

“We are very thankful to Coffs Harbour Racing Club for hosting this event with special thanks also to Merv (Mercer) for stepping in to cook the BBQ,” Webster said.

Further information about Racing Mates and its Ambassadors can be found at online at Racing Mates