The annual Timaru Mother’s Day race meeting on Sunday 13 May will see the fifth edition of the club’s lady drivers races held at Phar Lap Raceway.
Two penalty free lady driver races are programmed to be held at the race meeting, which will be sponsored once again by FLAIR and Brosnan’s Transport.
Club President Elizabeth Shand is thrilled with the interest Canterbury female drivers have shown in the event. She says it’s important to the club to celebrate the achievements and support of all females in the harness racing community.
“The aim of the day is to highlight women in our industry. We want to recognize and promote not just the female drivers but also the trainers, owners, stablehands and partners that are dedicated to harness racing and are great role models for the next generation,” said Shand.
This year’s driving lineup features Kirstin Barclay, Kim Butt, Katie Cox, Ineka Lee, Amber Lethaby, Laura McKay, Lauren Lester, Mikyala Lewis, Sarah O’Reilly, Sam Ottley, Charlotte Purvis, Olivia Thornley, Amanda Tomlinson, Sheree Tomlinson, Jess Young and Glenys Chmiel.
The mother and daughter combination of Amanda and Sheree Tomlinson will once again add to the spectacle on Mother’s Day, as has been seen in the past between Denise and Sam Ottley.
The club is calling for support from trainers to ensure all drivers get an opportunity to take part in the two scheduled races.
“We would also like to particularly thank trainers Bruce Negus and Robbie Holmes who have been huge supporters of these races of the years in providing horses for these races on a regular basis,” noted Shand.
The club will be providing a ‘Ladies Meet and Greet’ tent on the day where all female race goers can register on the day for competitions and find out about how they can become a part of the industry.
“We will also have a number of female harness racing ambassadors there to help celebrate and respect the diversity and culture of our industry. We will offer information on education, careers and ownership and let people know what is available to them,” said Shand.
Activities on the day include the annual Mother’s Day Quiz, a novelty race and prize draws will run throughout the day including the opportunity to win in the Ron Brown Jewellers Gold Watch Sweep.
Children will be kept happy on the day too with activities including colouring competitions and the kids’ lucky number competition.
Mother’s Day catering will be available oncourse for those who wish to make bookings to bring their family along to enjoy the atmosphere in the Grey Way Lounge. Just contact the club on 03-684-3400.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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