A sea of pink for Shepparton on Sunday

The stage is set for something special at Shepparton Harness Racing Club’s Pacing for Pink Day this Sunday (May 3) – the flagship event that sets the tone for the month-long national campaign.

While some racegoers will enjoy a High Tea experience at the races, there’s a full program of entertainment on offer, including raffles, auctions and Fashions on the Field – alongside a strong eight-race card.

Proudly supporting the McGrath Foundation, the day is about much more than racing, bringing together the harness community and the broader public for a cause that resonates deeply.  Guest of honor at this year’s event is McGrath Foundation Co-founder and Ambassador Tracy Bevan.

“The support has again been wonderful, and I’ll admit that we had our concerns as quite a few sponsors are doing it tough – which applies right across Australia and in the industry,” organiser Marg Watson said.

“We were so happy to get a few different sponsors on board this year and that certainly gave us a real kick along.”

Launched in 2011, Pacing for Pink has grown into a major nationwide initiative on the harness racing calendar, uniting clubs, trainers, drivers and supporters in the fight against breast cancer.

Funds raised go directly to the McGrath Foundation, helping provide breast care nurses and ensuring more women and families have access to vital support when they need it most.

“The campaign is driven by community and for me, the reward is seeing the support and knowing that the funds go where they matter,” Watson said.

“It was so pleasing to get contacted many weeks ago by a number of younger drivers who wanted to be part of the concept this year.

“We’ve ended up with similar numbers to last year’s record 210 sponsored drivers and pony trot participants, which has us very happy.

“In addition there will be eight clerks of the course and five official ambassadors all wearing pink in support.”

The popular Pink Pants Driver Challenge has also returned after its successful introduction last year, again generating strong interest.

“This isn’t about profile or racetrack wins, but more so effort and community support,” Watson said.

“Every $5 donation equals a ‘virtual win’, and the driver raising the most funds will be in line for donated prizes and bragging rights.”

There’s plenty to be won in a host of raffles, while the silent auction has again attracted terrific support from a wide range of businesses.

“One of the latest auction listings is a new Australian-made Phoenix race sulky, thanks to the Loftus family and Downunder Sulky Company, which retails for $6500 without wheels,” Watson said.

“The Phoenix is one of the newest sulkies on the market and is being used by Will Rixon in Sydney and Victorian team Marg and Paddy Lee. Garrards Horse and Hound has also donated sulky wheels for the Phoenix – a pair of FMT raw wheels valued at more than $1900.

“Two of our popular drivers in James Herbertson and Michael Bellman have got behind the silent auction.

“James has put up his original Pacing for Pink pants, complete with signature and his major achievements, and the top bid so far is $250. Michael has donated his pink helmet, which was sponsored two years ago by 13 people and businesses from Ararat.”

Watson said her brother Howard, a retired welder, had also taken on a unique project for the auction, creating a garden-art globe of horseshoes.

“It took him a few days using 250 new shoes, donated by MUSTAD Australia in Kilmore and valued at $1400,” she said.

“The ball is one metre in diameter and sits on a black powder-coated base containing a solar light that changes colour.”

Other auction items include:

• A Godolphin Farm tour for four people
• Three premium golf packages
• A painting of Llowalong Farms by artist Michelle Godden
• Four level-two tickets and guard of honour access for Western Bulldogs v Adelaide (Round 14)
• A service to Group One-producing sire Ride High (courtesy of Alabar)
• A trainer’s essentials pack from Brent Lilley (Big Lil’s Equine Supplies)
• A unique firepit
• A mystery box valued at more than $500

Bids can be placed by anyone on the Pacing For Pink Facebook page prior to Sunday here: 

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink