Turning the racing track pink for a cause

A splash of pink will roll onto the track at the Geelong Harness Racing Club this May, as Harness Racing Victoria’s annual Pacing for Pink campaign returns.

Now in its fifth year at the club, the fundraiser will have sponsored drivers racing in pink pants throughout the month, alongside a centrepiece Dine for Pink evening on 22 May.

Held in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), the event will feature a two-course dinner, guest speaker panel and a fundraising auction led by Buxton Real Estate auctioneer Matt Plunkett.

Geelong Harness Racing Club general manager Joe Fiala said the night had become a standout on the club’s calendar.

“We love doing it and we’re lucky enough to have our surgeons again on board,” he said.

“It really sets up the room when you’ve got surgeons speaking about the cancer, and everyone could just hear a pin drop in the room when people are speaking.”

The evening will be hosted by BCNA and Barwon Health ambassador Nicole Riddle, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

She said events like Dine for Pink play a vital role in raising both awareness and understanding.

“After my own experience, I was really happy to be involved and put my support behind this really worthy event,” she said.

“With breast cancer being so prevalent, there are always people that have been impacted.

“That’s what touches so many people and encourages so many people to be involved … it really brings the community together.”

Having conversations, she said, helps people “see the hope”.

Surgeons from Barwon Breast & Melanoma Surgery will join the panel, alongside survivor Daniela Kolevska Tet, sharing insights and personal experiences, with a breast exam demonstration also part of the program.

Riddle said early detection remained critical.

“People need to know how treatable [breast cancer] is, especially when you catch it early,” she said. “A lot of people say ‘I don’t want to do a breast exam because I don’t want to find something yet’.”

“But if you find something and find something early, the prognosis is excellent.”

While guests will be able to take in the racing as well, Fiala said the focus of the night is awareness.

“The racing on this type of night is secondary to us,” he said. “It is all about breast cancer and awareness.”

Dine for Pink bookings can be made by calling Geelong Harness Racing Club on (03) 5275 4880.

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