Two new ambassadors for Team Teal

Two new ambassadors will don the Teal this year to support the fight against ovarian cancer.

Brooke Wilkins and Olivia Thornley will join Crystal Hackett, Sam Ottley and Kirstin Green as the official Team Teal ambassadors in the six-week campaign that starts on Sunday, February 1.

Hackett is the only one returning from last year, though Ottley and Green have been involved in previous campaigns.

This is the ninth year that HRNZ has been involved in the cause – it’s all about increasing awareness about ovarian cancer and raising money to fund research. All female drivers will be wearing their Team Teal pants during the campaign.

Money is raised every time a female driver wears a race in this country from February 1 – March 16. HRNZ donates $100 per win, as do most of the clubs, and the five ambassadors add to the tally through their own individual sponsors whenever they win a race as well.

In 2023 there was a record 75 wins by female drivers during the campaign, with around $43,000 being raised.

The next six weeks will see a number of Teal-related activities as well, including the third annual Frocks at the Trots. The teal-theme fashion parade heats will be at Rangiora (Friday, February 6) , Gore (Sunday, February 15) and Alexandra Park (Friday, February 27).

The final, with a maximum of 10 contestants, will be held at Addington on Friday March 13 as part of a major night of fund-raising.

The Team Teal campaign was created by Duncan McPherson OAM who lost his wife Lyn to ovarian cancer in 2010. It started in Victoria, moving to New Zealand in 2018.

Anyone wanting to sponsor any of the five ambassadors this year are very welcome and should contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz

To see profiles of the five Team Teal ambassadors this year click here

From Harness Racing New Zealand