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By Phillip O'Brien

BRINGING JOY AND LAUGHTER - RACING INDUSTRY'S HEARTFELT TRADITION AT SYDNEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS

For 30 years, the NSW Racing Industry has upheld a heartwarming Christmas tradition, visiting the Sydney Children's Hospitals at Randwick and Westmead to deliver hundreds of new toys and spread festive joy.

L-R: Malcolm Fitzgerald, Phillip O'Brien, Cass Agnew, Santa (Tommy Berry), Sean Stepetz, Molly Bourke & Capt Starlight

This initiative, which began as a small idea in 1995, has grown into a cherished annual event involving jockeys, officials from Racing NSW, and the broader racing community.

The tradition was the brainchild of former jockey Malcolm Fitzgerald and acclaimed racing photographer Steve Hart.

The duo wanted to bring some cheer to children spending their holidays in the hospital.

They gained immediate support from prominent jockeys and trainers, with Racing NSW agreeing to fund the annual purchase of quality gifts and ensure the tradition has continued ever since.

While the core of the tradition involves the delivery of toys, the presence of the jockeys and industry members provides something priceless: human connection, smiles, and hope.

The event has become a cornerstone of the racing industry's charitable efforts, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospitals over the years.

The commitment and ongoing support from Racing NSW's CEO, Peter V'landys AM ensures the festive initiative continues to grow and reach more children in need.

It is a heartwarming story of an industry coming together to make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable members of the community during the holiday season.

The Randwick Hospital visit was led by jockeys Tommy Berry (Santa) and Molly Bourke, while the Westmead visit included jockey Alysha Collett and former jockeys, Malcolm Fitzgerald (Santa) and Sean Stepetz.