Classy roster of drivers confirmed for Blue September

Some high profile harness racing names have been added to this year’s Blue September roster.

This the fifth year of Harness Racing New Zealand’s involvement in the annual New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation campaign.

Last year more than $40,000 was raised and while the money is urgently needed for research the campaign also focuses on raising awareness of prostate cancer and encouraging men to get tested early.

The 2025 Blue September campaign will see the return of last year’s ambassadors, Blair Orange, Tony Cameron, brothers Matty and Nathan Williamson, Robbie Close,  Sam Thornley, Jonny Cox and Rory McIlwrick.

And there are three newcomers. Leading driver John Dunn, the country’s second most successful driver last year behind Blair Orange, joins the cause as does top northern reinsman Josh Dickie and Blair’s son Harrison Orange who’s created a huge impression in the junior ranks over the past couple of years.

“It really is a top line-up of drivers who we hope will win a lot of races and raise a lot of money,” says HRNZ’s Blue September co-ordinator Courtney Buchanan, “we have the entire country covered from Auckland to Invercargill and the first father-son combo which is cool.”

“We would be pretty confident we can match or even exceed last year’s total.”

Money is raised every time one of the  Blue September ambassadors win a race during the month, with contributions coming from HRNZ ($100 per win), clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors.  Blair Orange was the leading fund-raiser last year with 24 wins and $8200.

“We will have a special launch on September 1 to kick things off and there will be a few surprises along the way to keep it interesting,” says Buchanan.

Blue September Ambassadors 2025:

Tony Cameron
Robbie Close
Jonny Cox
Josh Dickie
John Dunn
Rory McIlwrick
Blair Orange
Harrison Orange
Sam Thornley
Matty Williamson
Nathan Williamson

Anyone keen to contribute to the campaign or sponsor an individual driver can contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz

From Harness Racing New Zealand