Queensland’s racetracks are set to turn teal in support of ovarian and other gynaecological cancer research.
From February 1 to March 15, the annual Team Teal campaign will return, with the Queensland harness racing industry donating $200 on every occasion a reinswoman drives a winner in the Sunshine State.
In addition, all Queensland reinswomen will wear teal-coloured pants to highlight the campaign.
In conjunction with WomenCan, Team Teal donations will support the Australian and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group’s education and prevention program – Survivors Teaching Students – bringing ovarian cancer survivors into the classroom of medical students to share their experiences.
The funds will provide support for patients to access gynaecological cancer clinical trials, particularly in regional and remote areas, ensuring women have access to the best available care, irrespective of where they live.
Tabcorp will also contribute a further $200 for every triumph by a reinswoman in Queensland throughout the Team Teal campaign.
RQ CEO Jason Scott said that RQ was delighted to be associated with Team Teal once again in 2024, taking the reins to help women with ovarian cancer.
“The 2023 campaign saw a record $15,400 raised, surpassing the previous year’s efforts by almost $2,000 and I am hoping we can go bigger again in 2024,” Mr Scott said.
“Two out of three women die from ovarian cancer, and only 49% of Australian women diagnosed will survive five years.
“It is fantastic to see the industry’s willingness to fundraise - and support – such an important cause; it is extremely heartening and demonstrates everything that is great about our industry.
“I urge all participants to give what they can – every dollar counts.”
This year, trainers Anna Woodmansey and Shannon Price will lead the ladies as Queensland’s 2024 Team Teal ambassadors, with their drivers to don the famous Team Teal silks.
“Obviously raising money for awareness is always a great thing, especially for women’s causes like the Team Teal campaign,” Price said.
“Racing is right behind everything so it great to be raising awareness for a great cause and I am excited to be coming on board.
“It’s very important because early detection can save lives, so creating awareness and encouraging women to go and get any symptoms checked out promptly, could save lives.”
RQ Senior Harness Racing Manager David Brick said he was delighted to have Anna and Shannon on board as ambassadors in 2024.
“Anna and Shannon have been supporters of Team Teal for a number of years and jumped at the chance to be ambassadors in 2024,” he said.
“We are happy to have both of them involved and I’m sure they are looking forward to training plenty of winners and also raising awareness of the Team Teal campaign and WomenCan.”
The Team Teal campaign was created by Duncan McPherson OAM, who lost his wife Lyn to ovarian cancer in 2010.
Mr McPherson co-founded the campaign with fellow harness owners and trainers Michael Taranto and Jim Connelly as a way to associate their passion of racing with the cause to fund clinical research nurses.
Click here for more information on the 2024 Team Teal campaign.
