A bevy of thoroughbreds have shot out of the stocks a few weeks out from New Zealand’s premier horse racing event and are now parading the streets of Auckland for a good cause. 18 life-size fiberglass horses have been transformed into breathtaking works of art by celebrities, artists and designers, including Saatchi & Saatchi, in the lead-up to Auckland Cup Week as part of the Resene Fastest Art Exhibition. This journey mirrors that of 18 real thoroughbreds competing for the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.
Each work of art has a benefiting charity. We’re backing the TYLA Youth Trust which I have been involved with for a number of years along with my daughter Bex. TYLA delivers tailor-made programs to help inspire ‘at risk’ youth to turn their lives around. TYLA currently has two programs running – Otara and Auckland Central West – and is looking to expand its programs into more communities, working with the New Zealand Government, local communities and Police. The goal is to identify youth who are on a pathway to crime, and to step in before their wayward journey takes them too far.
The Saatchi & Saatchi Design Worldwide team, a crack unit within the global network, has unveiled their horse ‘By A Nose’. Exemplifying the belief that good ideas are everything, the high gloss black horse with gold plated nose visualizes the idea that the value of a race horse is in its nose – the first part to cross the line.
Right now ‘By a Nose’ is leading the stakes in the online auction of the frilled up fillies. The auction will close at the end of the Auckland-wide Exhibition Tour on the 12th of March, with all proceeds going to each artist’s chosen charity.
You can back a winner too. To support TYLA simply “Like” our Facebook page. The horse with the most likes will win a $5000 cash top-up for their charity.
