Pacing for Pink to deliver record cash donation

The biggest ever Pacing for Pink harness racing campaign has broken new ground, with organisers expecting more than $60,000 to be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Throughout May, more than 70 drivers – both male and female – proudly wore sponsored pink pants with the fight against breast cancer at the forefront of their minds.

Pacing for Pink co-ordinator Margaret Watson said final totals were still being added up, but was thrilled with the efforts of those involved.

“We’ve definitely raised $50,000, but we are getting close to $60,000,” Watson said.

“This year, having gone state-wide really, that’s been the winner. The last time it was run, which was at Cobram in 2019, we raised $28,500 and that was the highest total that had been raised. We will double it.”

The campaign’s major fundraising day was held at the Shepparton Harness Racing Club on May 23 and was an overwhelming success, with the supercharged Trots Vision coverage bringing the event to those unable to make it to the track.

Tallygaroopna driver Stacey Towers was part of the organising team for the big day at Shepparton, and had a major focus on simply “getting people involved”.

“I never looked at how much we could raise, more the approach that whatever we raised would be more than the foundation had,” she said.

“My approach to the campaign this year was to get people to the track to experience a great day because next year they will come back and maybe bring a few more with them. So not only raising money and awareness around breast cancer, but also exposing people to a trots experience on a more personal level.

“There are many people in our sport and extended communities that are affected by different illnesses, and I just think it’s fantastic that the harness racing community supports so many different foundations by not only raising money, but awareness also.”

Heathcote’s Shannon O’Sullivan proudly wore the pink pants in May, winning three races throughout the month.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such an important campaign, and hopefully Pacing for Pink has brought a lot of awareness out there in the community,” she said.

“We have all been affected by this disease one way or another, so this is my way to show support to those affected and keep fighting for a cure.”

Ardmona-based trainer-driver Donna Castles worked closely with Watson to run the 2021 campaign, which she felt created a “really great atmosphere” among the industry participants.

“It’s been amazing. The support from the drivers and the sponsors has just been huge,” she said.

“If we are big this year, it’s going to be huge next year.”

Ararat and Terang were other clubs to really throw their support behind this year’s Pacing for Pink effort.

* pictures courtesy of Desiree Pettit-Keating and Shepparton Harness Racing Club

By Tim O’Connor for HRV