TOMORROW (Sunday), the Ballymacad Hunt Charity Trek and Fundraising Auction, in aid of UK-based Irish rider Rory Gilsenan, takes place at Clonmellon, Co Meath and all support would be most welcome.

Rory is one of life’s true gentlemen. No matter how busy he may be, he is well known for always taking time out to help younger riders and is always on hand with advice without expectation.

When the Ballymacads’ Rachel Gilsenan (no relation) of the Ballymacad Hunt contacted the Dublin Supreme Champion and reserve champion husband and wife team, PJ and Sonya Casey, with the hunt’s idea of the charity trek for Rory, they jumped at the chance to be involved. Sonya summed it up, saying: “People want to help and show their support for Rory.”

Everyone has come together from every part of the equestrian community, from showing to hunting to racing, and all have been so generous with their contributions to Sunday’s auction, creating an amazing catalogue.

Some of the great donations include stallion nominations for popular stallions Gortfree Lakeside Lad, Cara Touche and Mountain Diamond. Others include PJ and Sonya Casey’s offer to break or school a horse; a signed Supreme Champion sash and a framed photograph of the riders who competed in the recent Pat Smullen Charity Race (signed by all riders). Other items up for grabs include a Cross-Country Master Class; conditioner and feed from Connolly’s Red Mills and TopSpec plus a framed print of the Coolmore Derby winners, also of Tiger Roll, and many many more. The fundraising auction will take place directly after the charity trek, at approximately 4pm in Issacs Wells Lounge.

The Ballymacad Hunt are renowned for their fundraising activities and have raised over €100,000 for local charities to date. The Gilsenan family have been involved in the Ballymacad Hunt for generations with Donal a regular face in the field, always on hand to help at events.

Hunt chair Ken Farrelly said: “It is all about giving back to the local community and local families. We have our sport throughout the winter and this could not happen without the goodwill of the local farmers and landowners.”

The Charity Trek will be a leisure ride with no jumping and will take in the stunning Ballymacad country and is starting at 12.30pm from Clonmellon Village, Navan, Co. Meath.

All support will be greatly appreciated. “We would like to remind everyone that every penny made from this event will be going to Rory and his family so please come out and show your support,” said Rachel. For further details, contact Rachel on 087 - 296 9137 #rootingforrory.