Donna dons the pink

Pacing For Pink has become one of the biggest and best recognised community campaigns in harness racing over the past decade.

Every year the month of May is painted pink in support of the McGrath Foundation’s breast cancer care nurse program.

Many have worked alongside Pacing For Pink co-ordinator Marg Watson, who was a driving force behind the initiative when it was first launched at Cobram in 2011, to make it the success it has become.

Among those has been Ardmona trainer-driver Donna Castles, who has become a prominent advocate of the cause, which is in its second year as an Australia-wide movement.

No one is more passionate, and for good reason.

She has personally experienced a health battle with breast cancer, so she knows the importance of what the McGrath Foundation provides.

That was some seven years ago and Castles remains to the forefront both in an organisational role and also on track donning the easily-recognised pink pants, which are a centrepiece of the awareness and fundraising campaign.

Castles will again be to the fore at the annual Pacing For Pink day at Shepparton on Sunday.

She said once again industry participants had rallied for the cause, ensuring a bumper 11-race program.

“Everyone’s there to support everyone,” she said.

“The industry’s getting right behind it.

“It’s going to be a big day.”

Racing wise, it is also going to be a full-on afternoon for Castles.

She will have at least five starters from her stable at the meeting – Betsy Anne and Vitor Lee in the Infinity Coordination and Support Maiden Trot; Eagle Major in the Jarvis Delahey Contractors 3YO Vicbred Maiden Pace; Cheeki Philtra in the Water Kyabram Pace; and Arraps in the Dox Equestrian Pace.

Castles has already had a strong start to the season, with Cheeki Philtra having won her past two starts, both at Shepparton.

In addition, she has Lils Nightmare as an emergency in two races, including the Ollie Hayes Memorial Pace for female drivers.

The race will feature reigning Australian Junior Drivers Championship titleholder Tayla French, Abby Sanderson, Lisa Miles, Laura Crossland, Tasmyn Potter, Ellen Tormey, Bec Bartley, Codi Rauchenberger, Jordan Chibnall, Abbey Turnbull, Michelle Phillips and Mel Thackeray.

The Pacing For Pink event will also feature a lunch in the Winning Post Dining Room at $60 a person and mini marquees can be booked for $500 for 10 adults.

Other activities will include free face painting and a jumping castle, live music, pony trots, a raffle and silent auction.

Another highlight of the day at Shepparton will be the senior drivers’ pony trot race.

The event will see drivers bid on the ponies at the meeting, with the highest bidder winning the drive.

Sure to be hotly contested, money raised from the bids will go to the McGrath Foundation.

All junior and senior pony races will be broadcast live and free on TrotsVision at 1.10pm, 1.40pm and 2.45pm.

by David Brehaut, for Harness Racing Victoria