Bidding is now open for Bloodstock Auction’s Annual Online Charity Cover Auction

Over 70 Studs and Stud Masters around the nation have come together and donated a stallion cover by some of the best Thoroughbred Stallion's in Australia.

Some of the featured stallions include Americain (USA), Tosen Stardom (JPN), Rebel Dane (AUS), Fiorente (IRE), Nostradamus (AUS), Love Conquers All (AUS), Sebring Sun (AUS) and many more.

Punters and racing enthusiasts might remember Americain from the 2010 Melbourne Cup, where he took the title of Melbourne Cup Winner, beating Maluckyday by two and a half lengths and champion Australian and short-priced favourite So You Think, who placed third.

Americain isn't the only Melbourne Cup Winner featured in the Charity Auction with Gai Waterhouse trained Fiorente also offered, who ran an impressive race in 2013, beating triple runner-up Red Cadeaux by three quarters of a length.

Last year, Bloodstock Auction hosted their first Charity Auction and raised an outstanding $50,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney. The funds raised went towards upgrading their previous facility at Westmead, to a new, purpose built, 60 room house which opened on Valentine's Day this year.

The new, larger house now gives up to 60 regional families with a seriously ill child a home-away-from-home close to The Children's Hospital at Westmead every night. It has more than doubled the capacity of the old house and will be able to support 1360 families a year.

Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney CEO, Belinda Woolford, said while it is extremely positive to be able to support more families in the new house, it has also led to greater operational costs.

"Initiatives like the Bloodstock Charity Auction make it possible for us to support families at their greatest time of need. We need to continue to ensure that we fundraise and have support from corporate and community groups so that we are supporting the families the best way we can."

Bloodstock Auction's Director, Anthony Gafa, has his sights set on doubling the amount raised in the auction last year, and with more Studs and Stud Masters coming on board this year, he's optimistic the auction will be a success.

"This year, we've had over 70 covers donated. I am so proud to be part of an industry that is filled with so many generous people willing tohelp thosethat areless fortunate.I am truly humbled by everyone's support and I'm optimistic that we will reach last year's target, and potentially exceed it."

Now that the auction is live, Bloodstock Auction are calling for people to bid.

"It's a great opportunity to secure a cover by some of the best stallion's standing at stud in Australia ahead of the upcoming breeding season, while supporting a fantastic cause," said Mr Gafa.

The Thoroughbred and Equestrian Community are encouraged to visit www.bloodstockauction.com now and until the auction finishes at 7pm AEST on Tuesday, 7^th August 2018.