'Best ever' Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust auction raises £165,000

The annual Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust auction was hailed as being "unquestionably one of our best ever" by organisers after eight lots raised £165,000 last week. 

Held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Thursday, the lunch serves as the principal fundraiser for the trust, which was established in 1999, and this year honoured John Francome, the 27th winner of the prestigious Sir Peter O'Sullevan Award. The former jockey received a rapturous reception from the 480 guests in attendance and accepted a cheque for £10,000 on behalf of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

The chance to go for lunch with Sir Mark Prescott and Francome at the Michelin-star restaurant Murano in London featured among the eight lots and prompted a bidding war between Betfred founder Fred Done and owner Pat Gallagher, which ended with Done's bid of £53,000. Not to be outdone, Gallagher paid £35,000 for a visit to the yard of champion trainer Willie Mullins, with whom he has horses.

"The 27th lunch was unquestionably one of our best ever and we're always so mindful that our prime objective is to acknowledge Sir Peter’s passion for the welfare of animals," said trustee Nigel Payne.

"The amazing amount raised will be distributed to great effect and we're so grateful to the generosity of the guests. I cannot remember a better atmosphere and we'll have to be on our A game when we return to the Dorchester next November for the 28th Award Lunch."

The Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust has distributed more than £5 million to the six charities it supports, which include World Horse Welfare, Racing Welfare and The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre, while it has also pledged more than £10m to other charitable causes.

Read more:

John Francome set to receive Sir Peter O'Sullevan Award for lifetime achievements in racing 

Sir Peter O'Sullevan charity to fund trainers' mental health support scheme for three years 

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