The function was organised by Stevie Golding, Sandi Curtin and Murray’s niece Aimee Edmonds, after the recent news that Edmonds had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Edmonds was at the function along with family and friends from all over the country. Clearly touched by the occasion he described the night as “pretty unreal”.
“We are just over the moon,” said Golding, who also emceed the night. “Everyone enjoyed themselves, and there were so many kind words.”
While it was emotional and heartfelt at times it also had its raucous moments, none more so than when it looked like one of the Edmonds-trained runners was going to win race 5.
“Man – everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs. I’ve never been in a louder room during a horse race, it was unreal.
“It was just a fantastic night,” said Curtin.
“The number of items that were donated by people, some of them didn’t even know Muzz, but they could see it was such a good cause.”
Other popular items included a signed Kiwis Anzac rugby league jersey that sold for $2400, a signed Dexter Dunn racing suit ($2300), a Marcoola service fee ($2100), and an old Phar Lap photo ($2200).
An offer by Robbie and Carla Holmes to break in a yearling was also sought after, going for $2300.
Some items raised a few laughs, including a fishing trip with Golding himself that went for $2000 (bought by David Butt) and Mark Purdon buying a case of pinot noir donated by brother Barry for $2000.
A final tally up for the night is still a few days away – but the night achieved all it set out to do and more.
“We can’t thank everyone enough, the people at Addington and everyone who was involved,” said Golding, “it was amazing.”
-Harness Racing Desk
