Ross Stevenson's Love Letter to Racing

Ross Stevenson and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) proudly hosted the annual Love Letter to Racing charity event at Flemington.

Passionate racing enthusiasts shared their own personal relationships and experiences with the great sport of racing, set against the exhilarating backdrop of Group 1 racing on Black Caviar Lightning Race Day, Saturday 17 February.

This hugely popular event, was hosted by 3AW's Ross Stevenson. The guest panel included racing personalities who each shared stories of their involvement and history with horse racing.

All proceeds from this event including the raffle and live auction to be donated to VRC’s new charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Auction Winners

A Premium Group 1 Race Day Experience at Flemington Racecourse for 6 people – Peter Drough

3AW Day in the Studio – Anne Marie Keogh

GET ON and Racing behind the scenes experience: You and a guest will join Richo, Simon Marshall – Peter Farrant

Two Imperatriz horse shoes from the Manikato Group 1 win, proudly donated by Te Akau Racing Australia and the owners of Imperatriz – Katherine Kelly

Raffle Winners

Prize 1: TCL 55” QLED Google TV valued at $1,699 – Pat Daw

Prize 2: Bottle of Don Julio valued at $270 – Rupert Bowd

Prize 3: $100 TAB voucher – Michelle

Prize 4: $100 TAB voucher – Tony Bates

John Silvester

John “Sly” Silvester has been a crime reporter based in Melbourne from the late 1970s. He has written, edited and published crime books that have sold more than 1 million copies in Australia. His work was adapted into the top rating Underbelly television series shown on Channel Nine, and he is the senior crime reporter for The Age and appears every week on the top rating 3AW breakfast program as crime commentator Sly of the Underworld. His connection to racing is unusual and fascinating. He will explain everything at Love Letter to Racing!

Paul Guerra

Paul is an internationally experienced leader and businessman having held CEO/ Managing Director and Chairman level roles across Asia Pacific, spanning several key industries, including his current role as the Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Currently on the Board of Racing Victoria, Paul has a passion for horse racing and is part owner of the well-known elite racehorse Zaaki with VRC Chairman Neil Wilson.

Jack Jenkins

The Melbourne-born professional MMA and UFC fighter has held a life-long passion for horse racing after being first introduced to the sport by his grandmother. He was affectionately dubbed “Phar Jack” by his coach as a teenager, a nod to champion Australian racehorse Phar Lap and his huge heart and work ethic in the gym. A popular media personality across radio and podcasts, Jack is often heard chatting about his favourite racehorse Zaaki or trackside at Flemington.

Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM

Karyn is an accomplished businesswoman, media and marketing professional who has forged a long and successful career in corporate communications and public broadcasting. She is a former World President of Jaycees International (JCI) and winner of the World Public Speaking Contest. Alongside her husband David Ellis CNZM, Karyn owns and manages one of New Zealand’s most successful thoroughbred racing operations Te Akau Stud and Te Akau Racing - with stables in New Zealand, Cranbourne and Singapore.

Ross Stevenson and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) proudly hosted the annual Love Letter to Racing charity event at Flemington.

Event Partners

Guest Speakers

John Silvester

Paul Guerra

Jack Jenkins

Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM