Team Teal gearing up for big finish

With just over a week to go, the Teal Pants campaign has now topped $12,000.

The annual fund-raiser for ovarian cancer research started on February 1 and finishes with Addington's meeting on Friday, March 15.

Crystal Hackett, one of five Teal Pants ambassadors, has raised the most money. Her total stands at $3200 after four wins during the campaign. She has squeezed in a quick trip to Australia to drive at Teal events over there as well.

The other four ambassadors are Sarah O'Reilly, Kerryn Tomlinson, Kim Butt and Neita Balle. Every time they win a race they get $100 from individual clubs and Harness Racing New Zealand as well as from their own sponsors.

All female drivers, wearing their teal pants, raise money for the cause with any victory they have over the six weeks. Samantha Ottley has the most wins so far, with 11.

For the first time this year two trainers, Amber Lethaby and Nicky Chilcott, are involved, with Lethaby opening her account on Sunday with Downtown Orlando winning at Rangiora. The victory was worth another $100 for Team Teal.

Lethaby is also 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.

One of the key events over the next week or so will be the HRNZ Teal Pants Quiz Night at Addington on Tuesday, March 12. It will be held at Spectators, starting at 7pm. The entry fee is $10 per person, with teams of between four and six.

For more details or to confirm attendance email [email protected]

The teal campaign will be heading west in the next week, with Team Teal Drivers' Challenge races at Westport (Friday, March 8) and Reefton (Sunday, March 10).

Racegoers at both meetings will be encouraged to dress appropriately. At Westport there are spot prizes for those rocking the teal the best, while at Reefton there is a "dress in teal" competition where people have to enter via the racebook. The winner gets $300.

Friday, March 15 will signal the end of the campaign and it be marked with the final of the TAB Frocks at the Trots. Like a Fashion in the Field it's all about highlighting teal in your outfit.

There have been four heats so far with the top two from each and two wildcards progressing through to the big decider.

The overall winner will receive a $5000 return trip to Mooloolaba.