For Harness Racing Victoria’s Teal Ambassador Jodi Quinlan the annual teal trots campaign is personal.
Her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer several years ago. “That is why I’m so passionate about it and have been involved since it started,” the Parwan trainer-driver said.
“And also Duncan (McPherson OAM) is involved with my stable and given his story (McPherson lost his wife Lyn to the disease) I’ve done it from the get-go. To see it as a national campaign now is just amazing.”
Quinlan is referring to the fact that every reinswoman in Australia will now don the teal pants between today and March 11, with monies donated to the Women’s Cancer Foundation for every win a ‘teal pants driver’ secures.
In Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) will donate $200 for every teal victory while TAB.com.au will match that, meaning $400 for every winner driven a female driver in Victoria between now and March 11.
Last year there were 91 teal wins in Victoria, 90 in New South Wales and three in Canberra, totalling donations of $36,400 in Victoria, $36,000 in NSW and $1200 in Canberra for a total of $73,400 from the wins alone.
That number will surely rise this year with all states being on board.
The ‘teal pants’ initiative evolved after a discussion held at 38,000 feet between Michael Taranto and McPherson as a way of aligning the charity they passionately support with the industry they love.
“It’s great to see all the girls across Australia get behind the cause,” Quinlan said.
“The figure grows each and every year and it will be phenomenal now with all the states involved for this incredibly valuable cause.”
The teal campaign will end March 11 when the annual Breed for Speed night and gala dinner is held at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
