743 wins in pink as harness racing rallies behind McGrath Foundation

Australia’s annual Pacing for Pink campaign has once again showcased the industry’s remarkable ability to unite behind an important cause, with sponsored drivers recording 743 wins in pink pants across Australia during May. 

The nationwide effort has helped raise vital funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation, with clubs, sponsors, drivers and supporters once again embracing the campaign in support of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses. 

Pacing for Pink founder and organiser Margaret Watson said organisers were hopeful this year’s campaign would once again deliver a meaningful result. 

“Times are tough and we were hoping to get $150,000 – that’s enough to cover a full-time McGrath Cancer Care Nurse for a year, including training and development,” she said. 

“And the thing is, if the foundation does not get enough money, they’re going to have to drop a nurse which no-one wants to see.” 

Australia’s leading reinsman James Herbertson topped the national pink pants tally with an outstanding 47 wins for the month, leading a stellar field of drivers who proudly carried the Pacing for Pink message onto racetracks across the country. 

Sponsored by the Geelong Harness Racing Club and long-time supporter Kelly Stuart-Mitchell Racing, Herbertson finished comfortably clear of South Australian driver Wayne Hill, who amassed 27 wins, while New South Wales driver Robert Morris (25) and Queensland star Nathan Dawson (24) rounded out the leading performers. 

Bathurst reinsman Jett Turnbull continued his rise through the ranks with 21 wins, while Western Australia’s Deni Roberts recorded 15 victories and Tasmania’s Dylan Ford led the way in the Apple Isle. Victoria also featured strongly, with Chris Alford and Jack Laugher each posting 14 wins, Ryan Sanderson 13 and Nathan Jack 12. 

While the pink pants campaign is one of the most visible elements of Pacing for Pink, it is only part of a broader fundraising effort that spans race meetings, club events and community initiatives across the country. 

The 2026 campaign also featured the Pacing for Pink Sponsored Drivers Challenge, a separate virtual fundraising initiative where every $5 donated represented a “virtual winner” for participating drivers. The second running of the challenge generated approximately $18,000 this year. 

Leading the way was Maryborough reinswoman Olivia Jardine, whose fundraising efforts were outstanding. Through Maryborough Harness Racing Club initiatives and the Dunolly community, as well as her own personal campaign, Jardine raised more than $3,600 for the cause. 

Last year’s campaign raised $144,000 and, with the final tally for 2026 still being compiled, the industry is again hopeful of delivering another significant contribution. 

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink