Hundreds of punters queued in the rain at Galway Races yesterday to contribute to the Shane Broderick Appeal Fund, as others sent messages of support to the injured jockey.
The Co Tipperary jockey was paralysed in a fall at Fairyhouse last March and is currently in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
The fund, which has a target of £1 million, was also boosted by donations from the Irish Horseracing Authority and racing interests. The combined levy on bookmaker betting and the tote retention on the Guinness Galway Hurdle yesterday was donated to the appeal, and the IHA has promised to match this figure.
The Fairyhouse Racing Club executive has also promised a contribution of up to £20,000 to the appeal fund, following its race meeting on November 29th.
One of the appeal fund's trustees, jockey Andrew Coonan, said last night he was "moved" by the strength of the response.
"Between money and pledges we have in the region of £300,000 at this stage," he said.
"What started out as a well-intentioned but loose plan has really gathered pace and taken on a life of its own. Everyone in racing, or even everyone remotely involved in it, seems to want to help," he added.
For yesterday's big race, Mr Broderick bet £1,000 each way on I Remember It Well, from a £2,000 free bet offered by Ladbrokes. The race was won, however, by Toast The Spreece at 12/1, ridden by Tony McCoy and trained by Aidan O'Brien.
The owners of the horse, the Golden Step Racing Syndicate, subsequently announced that they, too, would make a substantial donation to the fund.
Meanwhile, dozens of men and women braved the wet and windy conditions at the Ballybrit racecourse to participate in competitions for the best dressed person and the most creative hat.
The prize for the best dressed person went to Wicklow model Pamela Brannigan, who is based in New York. She wore a black lace dress designed by New York designer Vivienne Tam, with a Chinese-style straw hat which she trimmed herself with black ribbon and a feather. She won gift vouchers worth £3,000 from the Brown Thomas Group.
Second prize went to Ms Angela Kelly, from Monkstown, Co Dublin, wearing a black short-sleeved two-piece suit with a black and gold straw hat. Ms Kelly receives gift vouchers worth £1,250.
Third prize went to Ms Jackie McGann, from Kilcolgan, Co Galway. She wore a black dress trimmed with white daisies, and a matching black hat, and won gift vouchers worth £750.
The prize for the most creative hat, a £500 gift hamper from Lancome, went to Ms Evelyn Young, from Pullamore, Cavan town. She wore a cream organza veiled hat.
The actor Christopher Reeve, who was paralysed following a fall from a horse, has sent a message of goodwill to Shane Broderick.
It reads: "I was very sorry to hear of your recent accident. I am sure that at the moment everything is quite confusing and overwhelming. It certainly was for me. I hope that you are in the hands of a capable neurosurgeon and that everything is being done to stabilise your condition.
"Most importantly, I hope that your family and friends have gathered around you. Their support is more important than any medical treatment. Even though you are probably experiencing moments of terrible anxiety and depression, I urge you not to lose hope, because tremendous progress is being made in spinal chord research and I am absolutely convinced that neither of us will spend the rest of our lives in a wheelchair.
"While the immediate situation seems bleak, the future is not. I send you my very best wishes."