Team Teal confirmed for 2021

Harness Racing New Zealand is pleased to confirm that it will once again be lending its support to the Teal Pants Campaign in 2021.

Founded by Duncan McPherson in Victoria in 2014, the campaign was started to help raise awareness and raise funds for research of Ovarian Cancer.

2021 will be the fourth edition of the campaign in New Zealand, led by HRNZ and generously supported by many clubs and businesses across the harness racing sector.

McPherson lost his wife to Ovarian Cancer and vowed to continue her fight, and has grown the movement from Victoria, to nationwide Australia and New Zealand.

Every female driver in New Zealand will wear  teal-coloured driving pants from February 1 to March 14 and for every race the ladies win, a donation will be made to the campaign kitty.

The 2020 campaign raised $50,000 for the cause thanks to some very generous and committed sponsors. While we would love to hit that target again, there’s no hiding from the fact 2020 has been tough for most businesses, including HRNZ due to the far-reaching implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, the main thrust of the 2021 campaign will be towards awareness, not funds. HRNZ will still chip in $100 per female win during the campaign and we hope more sponsors will join us in supporting this cause.

That money will go towards ovarian cancer research in New Zealand. Clubs will have the option to participate in the campaign by donating whatever they are able to for every win and will be supported by HRNZ to run any 'teal' events that they would like to during the campaign. And of course, the ladies will be out in force at race meetings, meeting the public and fundraising that little bit extra.

We look forward to announcing our 2021 Ambassadors in the coming weeks and further information on events as it becomes available.

If anyone would like to be involved in the Team Teal Campaign or would like any further information, please contact Courtney Clarke at HRNZ - [email protected] or 027 635 4355.