A sea of pink about to sweep across Australia

The month of May is upon us once again and that means Pacing For Pink is back for 2025 – with a record number of drivers donning pink pants to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer and the McGrath Foundation.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the fundraising initiative has continued to get bigger and better with, for the first time last year, the involvement of every harness racing state making it truly an Australia-wide effort.

Pacing For Pink in Victoria, which will see 80 drivers and 20 pony trot competitors taking part, kicks off tomorrow night (May 1) at Kilmore with a six event program.

Marg Watson, widely acknowledged as the backbone behind Pacing For Pink, is supported by a veritable army of helpers, but admits, 14 years on, that she’s still surprised by the numbers who get on board year-on-year.

“We will see a record number of 220 drivers sponsored this year, with 31 in the pony trots as well,” Marg said.

“It’s fantastic to see more of the younger children this year, who are so proud to be wearing pink and involved in the campaign.

“The main Pacing For Pink Day at Shepparton this Sunday (May 4) had just amazing support again, and some really special commitments from the industry, businesses and individuals outside harness racing. It’s tough times and the donations for the major raffles and silent auction have been incredible.”

This meeting at Shepparton will also feature a special tribute for outstanding reinsman and ambassador of the sport Greg Sugars, who passed away suddenly this week. HRV Chairman, Bernard Saundry will officiate, with drivers and trainers forming a guard of honour on the track for a minute’s silence.

The “Pink” story started in 2011 when Watson came up with the idea to bring her Cobram community together for a good cause – with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.

A lunch was held at the local harness racing club and funds from the gate entries went to the McGrath Foundation.

As the Pacing For Pink concept flourished, the home base later moved to the Shepparton Harness Racing Club to allow for its continued expansion.

Watson said a new idea this year is a sponsored drivers challenge with 37 drivers signing up.

The concept extends the rivalry for Pink Pants supremacy off the track – with lesser-known drivers also having an opportunity to get their name up in lights in Pink Month.

Every $5 contribution made under the name of a nominated driver counts as one virtual win – with some great prizes on offer for the reinsperson recording the most “wins”.

To donate and vote to support your favorite driver, head to: https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/PacingforPink2025

Two years ago, Pacing For Pink raised $126,000 nationally throughout the campaign and last year saw a record $150,000 raised.  This year the benchmark has been set at an incredible $180,000.

Can we do it?

Bid on the Pacing for Pink Facebook page to do your bit for the cause and grab a bargain from these amazing silent auction items:

• Quality horse shelter and yard, valued at $5830, donated by Jimmy’s Metal Fab (Jimmy Godden) and Echuca Steel Sheds (Steven Lindberg).
• Service to trotting sire Sky Valley, valued at $2000, donated by Duncan McPherson, principal of Aldebaran Park, Nagambie.
• Home starter set of kettle, toaster, glasses, cookware, dinner set, cutlery, air fryer, iron, valued at $1400. Donated by Adele Watson.
• Anne from HSP Advanced Equine has donated a 28-day strengthening program, valued at $1530.
• Meals and drinks at Aussie Hotel with Paul for 10 people, valued at over $1000.
• Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital has donated a dynamic upper airway scope, valued at $1000.
• Complete marriage ceremony/celebrant package, valued at $900, donated by celebrant Jacinta Allan-Gange.
• One night’s accommodation and round of golf for two at Rich River Golf Club Moama.
• Godolphin Seymour Farm tour for four people, with morning and afternoon tea, hosted by Catherine Gorman.
• Two weeks on the water walker at Harkaway Lodge, valued at $750, donated by Janelle and Brett Bunfield.
• Milwaukee M18 two-piece power pack, valued at $750
• Shepparton Greyhounds Shop, Vet Clinic OR Race Day Bar/Bistro valued @ $400
• A beautifully wrapped $300 tendon care hamper, donated by Mick Boots and Erica Tongs
• $250 Hygain hamper, offering goodies for horses and their owners, donated by Abbey Turnbull and Maddie Ray.
• Multi-zone fitted kingsize electric blanket, plus $200 Myer voucher – Jane and Gary Pekin.
• Signed Cricket Bat by Glenn McGrath and signed Cricket Ball by Elise Perry
• Framed signed photo of Geelong Cats
• 2 x Picnic Chairs & Fold Up Table

For other auction donations as well as raffle prizes, please visit the Pacing For Pink website. https://www.facebook.com/p/Pacing-For-Pink-100079815703958/

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink