Harness racing’s most successful partnership reignites this February when the sport’s talented reinswomen don their teal pants and resume the fight for ovarian and gynaecological cancer support and research.
Team Teal’s 12th anniversary will build on more than $3.4 million raised for the cause, which Bec Weeden, Head of Fundraising for ANZGOG WomenCan, said was “an incredible milestone … for women’s ovarian and gynaecological cancer research, education, and awareness.”
“Our long-standing partnership with Harness Racing Australia and New Zealand has not only raised vital funds but has played a critical role in increasing awareness and improving outcomes for women,” Weeden said.
“More than $3.4 million has been raised, directly supporting programs like Survivors Teaching Students, which has educated over 20,000 medical students and continues to reach more than 5,000 each year.”
Team Teal is driven by Victorian harness racing Hall of Fame inductee Duncan McPherson in honour of his late wife Lyn, with the movement originating in his home state and growing to representation across Australasia.
Victoria, which is rich with female participation, will again proudly lead the way, with Harness Racing Victoria announcing six talented female drivers as its 2026 ambassadors.
Ellen Tormey, who finished third in Victoria’s Garrards State Drivers Premiership last year with 127 wins, joins 2025 ambassadors Kerryn Manning, Kate Gath, Jackie Barker, Ewa Justice, and Jodi Quinlan.
Team Teal is a powerful example of women in sport supporting women’s health – BEC WEEDEN
The Team Teal troop will wear special ambassadorial silks in addition to the traditional teal pants throughout the fundraising period, which runs from February 1 to March 15 and includes the Team Teal Night at the Trots at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday, February 28.
Coinciding with the Lyn McPherson Breed For Speed Series Finals, tickets are on sale for the night, which encompasses a three-course dinner, drinks, entertainment, guest speakers, and a chance to win an exclusive raffle and auction prizes. CLICK HERE FOR TO SNAP UP YOUR TICKET
“Harness racing has a profound, positive impact throughout Victoria, including through its partnerships with WomenCan through Team Teal, the McGrath Foundation through Pacing For Pink, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through The Long Trot, and the Royal Children’s Hospital on Good Friday,” Isaacs said.
“I am again looking forward to the many teal-clad reinswomen registering wins throughout the summer and encourage all in the harness racing community to get behind them and join us for the Night at the Trots celebration.”
HRV will donate $200 to the cause every time a female driver wins a Victorian race, money that contributes directly to life-saving research and programs.
“What makes Team Teal so special is the real, lasting impact it has on women’s lives,” Weeden said. “Funds raised through this partnership have helped power ANZGOG WomenCan’s Survivors Teaching Students program, giving future doctors invaluable insight from women with lived experience of gynaecological cancer — education that will shape better care for years to come.
“Team Teal is a powerful example of women in sport supporting women’s health. Everyone involved understands that gynaecological cancer touches all of us — because we all have a mother, a sister, a daughter or someone we love. The success of this program shows what’s possible when a sporting community comes together to champion women and drive meaningful change.”
