Teal Pants hits $10,000

The annual Teal Pants fund-raiser has topped $10,000, and there are still just on three weeks to go.

Dedicated to fighting ovarian cancer, the Harness Racing New Zealand-run campaign started on February 1 and goes through to a grand finale at Addington on March 15.

Every time a female driver, in their distinctive teal pants, wins a race $100 is donated to the cause by HRNZ and individual clubs.

In addition there are five drivers/ambassadors - Sarah O’Reilly, Kerryn Tomlinson, Kim Butt, Crystal Hackett and Neita Balle - and every time they win a race extra money will be raised through their individual sponsors.

So far Crystal Hackett, Sam Ottley and Sarah O'Reilly have raised the most money.

After a treble at Ashburton on Saturday, with Tempo Warrior, Aldebaran Floss and Wudabubbit, Ottley has 11 wins this campaign and has raised $2200 while O'Reilly has won five races, boosting the coffers by $1825. Hackett leads the way with a large group of sponsors and $2400 to her name so far.

For the first time this year, two trainers - Amber Lethaby and Nicky Chilcott - are also be involved.

As part of her involvement Lethaby is running a Team Teal raffle. There are over 20 prizes including a service to Sky Major as well as a number of food and accommodation packages. Tickets are $10 each with the winners drawn at the end of the campaign.

To see more go to Lethaby Racing's Facebook page or click here

Addington Raceway is also running its own Easter raffle. Up for grabs is a massive 83cm Easter egg. Tickets are $5 each and will be on sale at Addington this Thursday (February 29) or by contacting [email protected]

A new initiative this year is the TAB Frocks at the Trots. It is like a Fashion in the Field but with a teal theme. The fourth and final heat was held at Cambridge yesterday.

Kylie Clark and Elizabeth Charleston finished first and second, qualifying for the final at Addington on March 15. First prize is a trip to Australia with flights and accommodation included.

And on March 12 the HRNZ Teal Pants Quiz Night will be held at Addington. It was a very popular addition to the campaign last year.

It will be held at Spectators, with teams of between four and six. It is $10 per person to enter, and starts at 7pm

To book or for more information contact [email protected]