Team Teal supporters will have more than a passing interest in the Ultimate Drivers Competition at Albion Park this weekend.
Star reinswoman Kate Gath, a Team Teal ambassador since its inception 11 years ago, will take part in the inaugural series where participants and slot holders vie for the $250,000 up for grabs over Friday and Saturday nights.
The first three placegetters receive $100,000, $50,000 and $35,000 respectively, while all other drivers/slot holders will earn $5000.
With 58 Group 1 wins to her credit, Gath will be sharing the Creek circuit with some of the best drivers in the world, including Dexter Dunn, Yannick Gingras and Bjorn Goop.
Gath, the only female in the series, is a passionate proponent of Team Teal, which raises funds for ovarian cancer research.
“Normally, I would be at Melton on Saturday for Team Teal’s big night at the Breed For Speed race meeting,” Gath said.
“It took Andy and myself a while to get our heads around it, but then we both thought it would be a great thing to be part of if we were lucky enough to secure a slot and it would create more awareness and publicity for Team Teal.”
Gath has been taken aback with the global exposure the series has already received prior to a race being run.
“It’s an exciting concept and great the awareness Team Teal is receiving from all over the world, particularly from America, Canada and Sweden where they have drivers taking part,” she said.
“I have received messages from people I don’t even know personally in the U.S. wishing myself and Team Teal well in the series.
“It has really taken off with a lot of drivers flying up here to Brisbane just to watch.”
Importantly, Gath Racing Team Teal is also the slot holder and as such receives 100 per cent of monies won.
Despite being a $13 chance in the betting, Gath is thrilled to be part of the ground-breaking series and is quietly confident of a competitive showing.
Gath acknowledged the assistance Gath Racing Team Teal received from leading Brisbane racecaller Chris Barsby at the draft on Wednesday.
“Chris was a big help as he is across the form of all the horses, whereas Andy and I aren’t of course,” she said.
“It will be fascinating to see all these horses being driven for the first time by these drivers and I think they will be truly-run races which should make for a great spectacle.”
Gath also recognised the contribution of Garrards Horse and Hound in raising funds for Team Teal.
“Darren Garrard has donated a new UFO sulky which Yannick Gingras will use during the series, and then on Sunday he will auction it off with all proceeds going to Team Teal which is fantastic,” she said.
“There will also be Team Teal fundraising tins around the course at Albion Park.
“And like the other girls, I will make a donation towards Team Teal at the end of Saturday night, so hopefully Gath Racing Team Teal can be right up there at the finish.”