Team Teal is all go again starting today

Teal Pants is on again, and it starts today.

For the next six weeks (February 1 – March 15) the Teal Pants harness racing campaign will be in full swing, increasing awareness of ovarian cancer, and raising funds towards research. It has been held in this country since 2018, after originally starting across the Tasman in 2014.

Every time a female driver, in their distinctive teal pants, wins a race $100 will be donated to the cause by Harness Racing New Zealand and individual clubs. In addition there will be five drivers/ambassadors – Sarah O’Reilly, Kerryn Tomlinson, Kim Butt, Crystal Hackett and Neita Balle – and every time they win a race extra money will be raised through their individual sponsors.

For the first time, this year, two trainers will also be involved. They are Amber Lethaby in the South Island, and Nicky Chilcott in the North Island. HRNZ will donate $100 each time one of their horses wins.

Another first this year is the “Frocks at the Trots” competition. It’s like a Fashion in the Fields Competiton – but with a twist.

The top two contestants at each of four heats will qualify for the Grand Final at Addington on the final day of the Team Teal campaign on March 15. First prize will be a trip to Australia with flights and accommodation included.

The four “Frocks” heats will be :

Heat 1 – Amberley Trotting Club Meeting at Rangiora – February 6 (Waitangi weekend)
Heat 2 – Hororata Trotting Club Meeting at Methven – February 11
Heat 3 – Gore Harness Racing Club – February 18
Heat 4 – Cambridge Raceway – February 25

Final – Addington Raceway – March 15 (by invite only)

Outfits must incorporate teal and all entries must be aged 18 plus and officially register prior to each of the heats. To confirm your place in any of the heats or for more details contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz.

A Team Teal-themed Quiz night will also be held at Addington in early March, with details to follow shortly.

This year’s campaign has big shoes to fill as last year was a record-breaker with 75 individual wins, and $35,000 raised.

The campaign starts at Invercargill today followed by Hawera and Addington tomorrow (Friday, February 2) and then at Oamaru on Sunday (February 4).

To see more on Teal Pants 2024 click here

From Harness Racing New Zealand