United in vibrant pink: 2026 campaign nears the finish line

From a small community fundraiser at Cobram to one of the biggest awareness campaigns on the Australian harness racing calendar, Pacing for Pink has grown into a remarkable nationwide movement driven by community spirit.

Founded in 2011 by a group including passionate harness racing supporter Marg Watson, the initiative has once again united clubs, trainers, drivers, pony trot participants and supporters throughout May in the fight against breast cancer.

What began with a simple dinner and race meeting fundraiser at Cobram has evolved into a major annual campaign which last year raised $144,000 for the McGrath Foundation and its vital breast care nurse services.

“At the first meeting we had a dinner at the club and along with funds from the gate entries, it all went to the McGrath Foundation,” Watson said.

“That’s how Pacing For Pink came about and it’s unreal to think that it has now grown into a major nationwide event on the harness racing calendar – uniting clubs, trainers, drivers and supporters in the fight against breast cancer,” she said.

“With the event branching out, the home base has now been at Shepparton Harness Racing Club for many years.”

Despite ongoing economic pressures, Watson said support from sponsors and participants had again been outstanding.

“This year saw similar numbers to last year’s record 210 sponsored drivers and pony trot participants, which was exciting,” Watson said.

“In addition there’s been eight clerks of the course and five official ambassadors all wearing pink.

“This is just amazing as it is tough times for a good number of our sponsors. A few different ones are on board this year which has been a boost.”

One of the most popular features of the campaign has again been the Pink Pants Driver Challenge, introduced last year and quickly embraced by participants and supporters alike.

Rather than focusing on racetrack success, the challenge rewards fundraising effort and community engagement, with every $5 donated counting as a “virtual win”.

The challenge has sparked friendly competition but Victorian reinswoman Olivia Jardine, with the backing of the Dunolly community and the Maryborough Harness Racing Club, has surged to an impressive 665 virtual wins – becoming the first driver to reach the coveted 500-win milestone and to take out a $500 gift card.

Elley-May Adams has also mounted a strong campaign with 295 virtual wins, while Jordy Chibnall, Kerryn Manning, George Chamouras and Tiarn McElhinney have all rallied significant support.

Meanwhile, sponsored drivers across Australia have continued adding to the colour and excitement on racetracks each week in their trademark pink pants.

A campaign update posted by organisers on May 25 revealed participating drivers had collectively chalked up another 162 race wins during the previous week alone, bringing the monthly tally to an impressive 580 victories.

Champion Victorian reinsman James Herbertson emerged as “the man of the moment” after a huge week in the sulky – highlighted by another dominant “awesome foursome” at Horsham – to sit on 33 wins for the campaign.

Queensland star Nathan Dawson is next best on 22 wins, while astute Lucky Lodge Racing reinsman Robert Morris and South Australia’s “King of the Track” Wayne Hill have both driven 21 winners.

Young Bathurst talent Jett Turnbull also enjoyed a breakout week to move to 16 wins, while Deni Roberts was flying the flag in Western Australia with 13 victories.

Tasmania’s Dylan Ford, sponsored by longtime supporter Leigh Barker Racing, continued to lead the Apple Isle contingent with eight wins.

Those also reaching double figures included Kevin Weidenbach (12 wins), master reinsman Chris Alford (11), along with Ryan Sanderson, Jack Laugher, Jackie Barker and Ashleigh Delosa, who had all posted 10 victories.

Watson said the campaign highlighted the unique ability of harness racing communities to rally behind important causes.

“The support has just been incredible,” she said.

“Together people really can make a difference.”

 

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink