Pretty (quick) in pink for a worthy cause

Star young Victorian James Herbertson “kick started” Pacing for Pink month as the first sponsored driver to claim victory in the annual harness racing breast cancer fundraiser – at 5.25 pm on Wednesday (May 1) in the opening event at Ballarat.

Just minutes later, Amanda Turnbull took out the first race at Bathurst. Soon afterwards, Jackie Barker (Mount Gambier) and Taleah McMullen (Redcliffe) also got into the act.

Pacing for Pink has become a national phenomenon, last year raising $126,000 for one of Australia’s most recognized charities in the McGrath Foundation. Apart from raising much needed funds for breast care nurses, the month-long event also drives awareness of breast cancer in the racing community.

This year, which for the first time includes drivers from the ACT, promises to be the biggest yet with 215 senior drivers sponsored, as well as a further 28 junior drivers and at least three Clerks of the Courses.

Shepparton Harness Racing Club will again become a sea of pink on Sunday (May 5) in support of people experiencing breast cancer.

“The support has been wonderful again with communities, business houses and sponsors jumping on board,” hardworking co-ordinator Marg Watson said.

“This year’s special guest at Shepparton will be McGrath Foundation Ambassador Tracy Bevan, who we are thrilled to have trackside.”

Reinsmen and reinswomen are being sponsored to wear pink pants, featuring their names and those of their sponsors.

This year is the 13th-year anniversary of the promotion, which began as a fundraising lunch at the Cobram harness racing club in country Victoria – the first event raised $9000 and from there the concept took off. When the promotion outgrew Cobram, it moved to Shepparton in 2021.

Watson said one of the feature racing events at Shepparton would be the Olive Hayes Memorial Lady Drivers race.

“The Angelique Club, which honors and promotes the role of women in the sport, renamed its feature race last year in honor of Olive Hayes, who was a foundation member,” she said.

The popular major raffle and silent auction will be on again, while a wide range of entertainment has also been planned with live music, pony trots, free face painting, a jumping castle and Mermaid hair-braids.

The McGrath Foundation was established in the name of Jane McGrath, the late wife of former cricketing great Glenn, who was just 31 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia for women.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink