Queensland’s female harness racing drivers have raised over $15,000 for the 2024 Team Teal campaign.
From February 1 to March 15, the Queensland harness racing industry donated $200 on every occasion a reinswoman drove a winner in the Sunshine State, with funds supporting ovarian and other gynaecological cancer research.
Trainer ambassadors Shannon Price and Anna Woodmansey were also used for the first time this year, with their runners donning the Team Teal silks to raise further awareness and additional funds each time they trained a winner.
There were 76 winners throughout the campaign, with Paige Bevan leading the way with 14 wins.
Taleah McMullen, who finished third on the leaderboard with eight wins, had the honours of taking out the Team Teal Female Drivers Invitation race on March 9 with the Doug Hewitt-trained Infinity Beach.
Dannielle Veivers was also victorious in the Womencan Team Teal Cup at Redcliffe on the Jack Butler- trained Torque In Control.
More than $150,000 was raised with over 420 winners across Australasia.
Racing Queensland’s Senior Racing Manager for Harness David Brick says he was proud of the efforts of the female reinswomen and trainers across the state.
“Once again, we have seen our female industry participants dig deep to raise vital funds and awareness for this great cause,” Brick said.
“Two out of three women die from ovarian cancer, and only 49% of Australian women diagnosed will survive five years.
“We are looking forward to raising even more money in 2025 for this important cause.”
Tabcorp also contributed a further $200 for every triumph by a reinswoman in Queensland throughout the Team Teal 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.