Victorian harness racing tracks are set to turn pink to raise much-needed funds for the McGrath Foundation and continue the fight against breast cancer.

For the first time, reinsmen will join reinswomen to wear sponsored pink pants throughout the entire month of May, with 69 drivers signed up to take part in the Pacing for Pink effort.

The campaign’s major fundraising day is scheduled for the Shepparton Harness Racing Club on Sunday, May 23 and will feature giveaways to trainers, drivers and owners, as well as continuous raffles throughout the afternoon. Two major auction items are on offer, with a pink Equissage back pad (pictured), show rug set, vest, polo and cap package valued at over $6,000, alongside a framed set of Lochinvar Art’s shoes with accompanying photos.

The event at Shepparton will mark the 10th anniversary of the special trots initiative.

Due to a fantastic response, dining options at the meeting are now booked out, but takeaway food will be available on track and people are encouraged to bring their own picnic food on the day.

Event co-ordinators Margaret Watson and Donna Castles have been overwhelmed by the support of sponsors and people willing to donate raffle items this year after Pacing for Pink was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“We have had some other clubs also jump on board such as Ararat and Terang and fundraise in their local areas to help support the day. Ararat will be having their own raffles and fundraising day at their meeting on May 11,” Castles, who is one of the drivers wearing pink throughout May, said.

“The industry has really come together once again and this could be our biggest year yet.”