Warrabrook jockey Allan Robinson celeb-rated the race with his family.

But he did his part when he donated blood for the first time last week.

The jockey has also been named the Red Cross Newcastle Blood Service Novem-ber ambassador.

Mr Robinson said he did not realise how easy it was to donate blood.

“You go in there (to the centre), donate blood and then you get a free sandwich and milkshake, it’s simple,” Mr Robinson said.

“If the blood serv-ice can’t meet their target, I think there’s something wrong with the community.”

Mr Robinson said he would encourage his wife and friends to give blood as part of his ambassador role.

“By giving blood, you have just done an outstanding gest-ure to human life.”

The Newcastle blood service needs 900 donations for its target this week.

Marketing manager Mel-inda Randall said the numbers were significantly down bec-ause of the race.

“We understand that many people like to celebrate Melb-ourne Cup Day, which is why we ask that these people make an appointment for another day in the week to help overcome the shortfall,” Mrs Randall said.

Have you donated yet?

For more information or to give blood go to www.givebl-ood.com.au or phone 13 14 95.