Shepparton Harness Racing Club was awash in pink on Sunday for what has become one of the district racing calendar’s popular annual traditions.
And the cause it was championing had patrons, drivers and even the four-legged stars of the show support in their droves in an attempt to propel the Pacing for Pink fundraiser to new heights.
Hundreds of racegoers donned their finest pink threads supporting the event, helping to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the McGrath Foundation and breast cancer support.
Through various means, a total of $33,322 was raised on a day long-time organiser Margaret Watson felt had lifted another step.
“A few people felt as though the atmosphere had gone up this year,” Watson said.
Between the nine-race meeting and the multitude of off-track events — including Fashion on the Fields, silent auctions and live entertainment — it was a busy day at the trots as Pacing for Pink aims to raise $180,000 for this year’s iteration.
Melburnian’s Michael McAlpine and Niki Howells-Schramm were judged Gent and Lady of the Day in the fashion stakes as racing stepped up a notch, headlined by Lisa Pitt’s feature race win in the Olive Hayes Memorial Mares Pace steering pre-race favourite Soap and Bubbles.
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Michael McAlpine from Richmond was judged best dressed in the Gent of the Day stakes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 10
Niki Howells-Schramm from Melbourne was named best dressed in the Lady of the Day fashions. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 10
The Colin Godden-trained Mahindi NZ got in on the pink action with this decorative piece. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 10
Dahyna Heenan (left), MP Kim O'Keeffe and Niki Howells-Schramm enjoy the day. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 10
Pacing for Pink saw a strong crowd attend Shepparton Racing Complex. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 10
Chloe Eidelman (left) Amity Jensen, Emily Peters, and Annabelle Peters Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 10
Louy Drysdale and daughter Tawny Drysdale, 6, looking dapper at Shepparton’s Pacing for Pink fundraiser. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 10
Racing photo. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 10
Michael McAlpine and Malcolm Pretty show of their shades of pink. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 10
Dawn Ross (left), Faye Swann and Noelene Ackerly taking in the off-track activities. Photo by Rechelle ZammitSunday’s event marked the beginning of a nationwide push to raise funds, including the Pacing for Pink Sponsored Drivers Challenge, which had climbed to more than $4,000 midweek.
Harness Racing Victoria also contributed $5,000 to fundraising and notwithstanding the final tally from the day’s event which is yet to be announced, it’s safe to say the fundraiser has enjoyed a strong start as events across the nation prepare to follow suit.
On the track, HRV chairman Bernard Saundry led a tribute as drivers and trainers alike formed a guard of honour remembering champion reinsman Greg Sugars, whose death has rocked the industry.