HRNZ concludes five-year Blue September campaign

After fund-raising more than $185,000 for the cause, Harness Racing New Zealand has made the difficult decision to end its association with Blue September.

HRNZ has held the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation campaign annually for the past five years

During September money was raised every time an ambassador won a race, thanks to $100 contributions per race from HRNZ and assorted clubs, as well as individual sponsorships.

The decision not to proceed again this year follows a review of HRNZ's discretionary spending for the 2026-27 season. HRNZ says it is not a decision it entered into lightly as the harness racing community has been overwhelming in its support of the campaign since it started.

Four drivers have been ambassadors throughout the past five years. They are Robbie Close, Jonny Cox, Matty Williamson and Blair Orange.

Others to have involved are :

Korbyn Newman, Mark Hurrell, Todd Mitchell, Zachary Butcher, Zev Meredith, Nathan Williamson, Rory McIlwrick (all 3 years)
Brent Barclay, Dylan Ferguson, Sam Thornley, Tony Cameron (all 2 years)
John Dunn, Josh Dickie, Harrison Orange, Henry Sail, Ben Butcher (all 1 year)

Thanks to his large stable of sponsors, Robbie Close raised the most money during the five years while the country's top driver Blair Orange had the most wins.

The campaign has provided many highlights including former All Black Joe Moody coming on board as an ambassador. His first time in the sulky at Regan Todd's stables even made the 6pm News!

There were also the ever-popular dual sulky promotions, bingo, golf days, The Blue Bolt sprint by the ambassadors down the straight at Motukarara as well as the 18,000 foot sky diving launch in 2024 and last year's Cold Plunge at the Opuke Thermal Pools in Methven.

It's been a lot of fun raising money ($185,126 in fact) and awareness for a life-saving cause and HRNZ would like to thank everyone (and there are a lot of you) for supporting Blue September and doing our sport proud.