In what has been an emotional week in Victorian harness racing, everything about Sunday’s Shepparton Pacing For Pink Day hit the right note.
The marquee event marks the official launch of Pacing For Pink Month — a nationwide campaign uniting the harness racing community to raise awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation and breast cancer support. And once again, the Shepparton and harness racing community turned out in force.
In ideal autumn conditions, hundreds gathered at the Shepparton Harness Racing Club to enjoy a family-friendly day featuring dining, marquees, entertainment for kids and of course, action on the track — all under a sea of pink.
This year’s event held particular poignancy, following the sudden passing of champion reinsman and much-loved industry figure Greg Sugars a week ago. A minute’s silence was led by Harness Racing Victoria Chairman Bernard Saundry, with drivers and trainers forming a guard of honour in tribute to Sugars’ legacy as a sportsman, mentor and ambassador of the code.
Pacing for Pink organiser Marg Watson, the driving force behind Pacing For Pink since its inception in 2011, said support for the campaign continues to grow, with a record 220 licensed drivers and 31 pony trotters sponsored to wear pink pants this May.
“There’s something really special about the energy and generosity that brings the industry together each year,” Watson said.
“The response from businesses, individuals and the industry — even in tough times — has just been incredible.”
The day also marked the launch of the new Pink Pants Driver Challenge, giving both seasoned and up-and-coming drivers the chance to compete off the track by rallying donations under their name. Every $5 contributed equals a virtual “win”, with great prizes on offer and all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.
The silent auction again proved a crowd-puller, with big-ticket items including equine services, homewares, memorabilia, hospitality experiences and rural supplies up for grabs.
On the track, the feature event was the Olive Hayes Memorial Mares Pace, a female-drivers event, won by Stanhope trainer-driver Lisa Pitt and her three-year-old filly Soap and Bubbles.
Pony trots were also a highlight of the day, and in addition to competing themselves, the kids also gave the senior drivers a turn on their ponies for the senior drivers’ event. Bendigo reinsman Jack Laugher, himself a former pony trots kid, scored a comfortable victory.
Pacing for Pink aims to raise a record $180,000 nationally in 2025 — after reaching $150,000 last year – and, although the funds raised from the Shepparton event are still being tallied, the huge success of the day has undoubtedly put the campaign off to a flying start.
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/PacingforPink2025/community-fundraising-24 or follow Pacing For Pink on Facebook.