02 February 2018 | PAUL COURTS
IT DIDN’T take long for Team Teal to register its first victory.
In fact, with the campaign beginning today, it only took until the second race for Queenslander Isobel Ross to make her way to the winners’ circle.
Ross is part of an Australasian-wide squad which is raising valuable funds and crucial awareness for ANZGOG – Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group.
Originating in Victoria, the Teal Pants campaign is the brainchild of Michael Taranto and Duncan McPherson in honour of McPherson’s wife, Lyn, who lost her battle to ovarian cancer in 2010.
Growing in stature to also include New South Wales, the Teal Pants ‘drive’ went national last season with the help of Harness Racing Australia.
This year their Kiwi counterparts have joined the Aussie reinwomen as part of the Teal Pants Team.
“I was so excited to be part of such a wonderful cause last year and I’m thrilled to be doing it again this season,” Ross said. “I’m so glad it has grown to include New Zealand as the more people we reach, the more we can hopefully help.”
Money is raised via each win between February 1 and March 11, which doubles as Australian Female Drivers’ Championship night in Tasmania.
Last season the women won an incredible 290 races while raising more than $120,000.
In the Sunshine State as win is worth $200, with Racing Queensland, Albion Park, Redcliffe and Ubet each chipping in $50.
Ross guaranteed the first $200 of the tally by combining with Ipanema Beach, which outstayed her rivals after racing in the ‘death seat’.
In a fantastic effort, Ross followed her win behind the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere by steering Magoogan to glory in the final event on the card.
“I am thrilled to kick off the Teal Pants with a win,” Ross said. “To get a double was even better.
“We raised a lot of money and awareness last year and hopefully can do so again this year.
“Overall we won 290 races Australia-wide, but this time around I know the Teal Pants Team will break 300.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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