After being purchased by the Wagga Harness Racing Club a couple of months ago, the eight-year-old races for a new charity every time he competes at on his new home track. 

Arctic will race for the NSW Farmers Drought Relief fund with $250 going to the local branch on Saturday.

A week later it is Make A Wish, followed by Country Hope and Men Of League.

Each organization becomes part of the race experience talking to the trainer and driver, having photos taken with the horse and hopefully seeing him win.

Some of the residents of Settlers Village will be trackside to cheer on the horse in a race named after them as well as NSW Farmers representatives.

So far, Arctic has raced for Can Assist and Give Me 5 For Kids finishing fourth and fifth.

Purchasing Arctic to help promote harness racing, Wagga chief executive Graeme White said with the move to the new multi million dollar facility early next year it was important to have community involvement to make the most of a valuable asset.

“The industry is in a great position at present with some wonderful initiatives and it’s important we create a future for all stakeholders,” he said.

After driving the 11-time winner in his last three starts, Jared Kahlefeldt expects a better performance this time around.

“He’s a nice horse to work around home and has been racing ok,” Kahlefeldt said.

“We are not disappointed with his runs, he’s been finishing off well and was probably unlucky not to get third last week. He copped a bit of a knock, but we’ve worked him out a little bit now.”

Kahlefeldt believes a more conservative approach will be a big plus and that will definitely be the case after drawing barrier 10.

He’s a big fan of the charity concept.

“I think it is great and the Wagga club has done a really job here,” Kahlefeldt said.

“It is a great initiative and it gets more people through the gates, more people interested in harness racing throughout the region and we hope he can perform and get a bit of money in the kitty for different groups.

“Hopefully they’ve got something to cheer home each week.”

Premiership winning reinsman Blake Jones will take the driving responsibility on Saturday, but Kahlefeldt is looking to combine with his father Paul for success as well.

He thought Mister Decorum shapes as another good chance on the eight-race card.

“Mister Decorum with his second run back now is going to be a lot fitter and I reckon he can be a bit of a danger,” Kahlefeldt said.

He also expects Norms Courage to put in a better performance from gate one. 

NSW Farmers local branch spokesman Alan Brown said his group would be supporting the concept during a crucial time for farmers.

“It’s a wonderful idea and we are glad to be part of it,” he said.

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