For The Love Of The Horse – Racing Gives Back

“We couldn’t do what we do without the help and financial assistance of caring corporates of the likes of the Hollywood Foundation and Race Coast.”

The words of the Tom Ro Haven for Equines and Children’s Gillian McCuĺloch after a R100 000 donation was formally handed over at the rustic place of protection in the scenic surrounds of Noordhoek in the Western Cape on Tuesday.

A passionate lifetime horsewoman from her early days in Bulawayo, Gillian McCullough has lived the philosophy of combining the power of equines with the resilience of children and women to create transformative healing experiences.

“It’s an ongoing struggle up the mountain, but we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, believe me,” Gillian told the Sporting Post in a chat on Thursday afternoon.

“We have a horsebox, but look at my bakkie – and it’s not going at the moment,” she lamented as she pointed out the genuine goodwill that prevails in the racing industry.

“We had a mare a few months ago that suddenly foaled down in the middle of a stormy winter’s night, with no prior notice. My daughter Stephanie assisted her, but the foal was weak. We eventually called the Vet in and he said we have to get the little one to a clinic. We eventually resorted to loading him on to the back of our bakkie. It’s close to 100km from Noordhoek to Paarl where the Vetscape Clinic is located, and halfway there I heard this massive bang. I just prayed and kept on driving. The little guy had stopped breathing a few times. But they saved him and today’s he’s our little survival ambassador, Raphael. It is hard to imagine life before this special little miracle colt joined our family. He was rushed to hospital again last month but thankfully we collected him after a few days. He ran to greet the herd over the paddock fence and strutted his stuff like he always does. He is the friendliest most confident little colt. He loves to play football, plays with his other toys. He completely enchants all who meet him. He was born into safety, wrapped in love, and from rescue to rebirth, this little soul is a symbol of everything we stand for at Tom Ro Haven,” enthuses Stephanie as she explains how contributions like the R100 000 received from the Hollywood Foundation and Race Coast, make the difference between beautiful happy stories and abject misery and sadness.

The Hollywood Foundation Team, together with Race Coast, visited this incredible haven on an eye-opening and emotional day out.

“We assisted the organisation with R100 000 to support their ongoing programmes. Thus ensuring the horses are nurtured, the children continue to learn and grow, and the haven can expand its reach to even more members of the community. Race Coast also contributed women’s clothing and equine tack, supporting both the people and the horses who call Tom Ro Haven home. From feeding and grooming the horses to witnessing the joy of children learning alongside them, the day was a celebration of care, connection, and community. Our team were overjoyed in seeing the passion of the Tom Ro Haven team and the smiles of the children reminded us that every moment of support creates a lasting impact,” added Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager, Devin Heffer.

Race Coast’s Kirsti Lyall confirmed that a fund-raising opportunity for the Tom Ro Haven has also been pencilled in for the Summer Season curtain-call Lucky Fish Cape Derby Day at the end of February 2026.

“We are so excited! That is going to be a big boost for our plans for 2026 and we are going all out to approach corporate sponsors to take a table, or two, on the day. And we also plan to offer their staff team-building opportunities at our base here in Noordhoek, where they can interact with our horses and people, and maybe even find new meaning in love and life,” concluded Gillian McCullough.

If you would like to do your bit or find out more, please visit the Tom Ro Haven’s website here.