Money starts pouring in for Teal Pants campaign

The latest Teal Pants campaign has got off to a flying start, with $4400 raised during the first week alone.

In its seventh year in this country, the campaign is all about raising awareness of ovarian cancer, and funds for research. It kicked off on February 1 and will go through to March 15.

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.

And winning races is exactly what they have been doing.

Sarah O'Reilly is leading the pack so far with three wins and $1005 raised. Sheree Tomlinson and Sam Ottley have also had three wins (raising $600 each) while Crystal Hackett has contributed $800 to the cause, with Kim Butt, Monika Ranger and Natalie Rasmussen also getting on the board.

For the first time, this year, two trainers Nicky Chilcott (North Island) and Amber Lethaby (South Island) are also involved. So far Chilcott, with the two winners she had at Hawera, has helped boost the coffers by an extra $400.

The next chances to add to the tally will be at Addington and Alexandra Park this Friday.

And the teal-related activities were not just confined to the racetrack

At Rangiora yesterday the first ever "Frocks at the Trots" competition was held. It's like a teal-themed Fashion in the Fields and yesterday there were ten entries. The winner was Danni Alfeld, ahead of Maria Wright and Gemma Kirk. The Amberley club's pick was Alexandra Balle.

The top two contestants at each of four heats 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 next three heats will be at :

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)

To qualify, 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.

To see more on Teal Pants 2024 click here