Plethora of stories behind huge “Pink” success

From a Tasmanian harness racing starter wearing pink to a youngster selling cupcakes at Menangle race meetings, from buying a pink beanie to sponsoring the pink pants of drivers – it seems everyone in harness racing contributed something towards the success that was Pacing for Pink in 2023.

“Our industry is filled with people who reach out to one another when times are tough and the amazing response this year to our Pink campaign has just made us so proud,” Pacing for Pink co-ordinator Marg Watson said.

“There were many, many people who just wanted to do something to support the McGrath Foundation and there were some fabulous fund-raising ideas, not to mention a lot of hard work during May to make sure we could reach an awesome final tally of $126,000,” she said.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia for women and the funds raised through Pacing for Pink will support the McGrath Foundation’s mission to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a specially trained nurse.

Watson said the Pacing for Pink initiative began in Cobram in 2011 and had raised over $446,000 in the 12 years since.

“This year we had 220 drivers across Australia as well as five Victorian Clerks of the Course who were generously supported in the pink pants initiative by over 300 sponsors. The drivers won a total of 757 races,” she said.

“Champion Queensland driver Nathan Dawson, sponsored by Colin and Michelle Godden of Orion Park racing, was the leading driver overall with 34 wins, while James Herbertson was the best in Victoria with 22. James was one of 86 we had here who raised $72,434.  It was wonderful to see so many of the young male drivers taking part this year and wearing the pink pants.”

Bonuses for each win were committed in a number of States, and Watson said there were some innovative new fundraising initiatives this year.

“We were excited to have Tasmanian race starter Adam Emery on board, who was sponsored for wearing a pink jacket at all tracks in May,” she said.

“Then there were our beautiful cupcake queens in Amy Reeves and Tiarn McElhinney Sutton, in New South Wales, who raised $1000.  Tiarn’s family also put in $50 when Milla won the Pacing for Pink Pony trots. Ava Turnbull was terrific at Bathurst, going around to all the race stalls selling the cupcakes.”

Watson said the campaign again received support from many clubs including Club Menangle ($16,295), Ararat Harness Racing Club ($16,537), SA Botra ($1550) and TasRacing ($1430).

“Sharon Ralph and her Ararat team are amazing. Sharon is always coming up with new ideas and then takes it from there. TasRacing did well with selling beanies and this really took off,” she said.

“Bendigo organized a special night which saw nine of 10 races won by pink pants and plan to do something again, while the launch major fund-raiser meeting at Shepparton was awesome.”

Watson said there were huge numbers of people across the industry who deserved recognition for their support.

“We really didn’t think we’d make the $100,000 mark at one stage as things are a little tough. But a couple of extras come in and then we pushed hard and got to $126,000,” she said.

“I’m just one person and do my bit – but I have a fantastic team of people behind me who support me, and work so hard, and so many people across the industry just take this month and run with it, doing their own things, large and small.

“They all matter and they all contribute to the end result, and we are just so fortunate to have their support.

“People are already spreading the word and planning for next year— Tasmania and South Australia both want to be more involved next year, and Dubbo in New South Wales is keen.  And that will be a key part of doing further successful campaigns.”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink