Tasracing has secured the rights for Tasmania to host the first Australian Female Harness Drivers’ Championships in Launceston on Sunday 11 March 2018.
The event will be hosted by the Launceston Pacing club (LPC) with the support of Tasracing and endorsement of Harness Racing Australia (HRA).
Tasracing CEO Vaughn Lynch said securing the inaugural event was a boon for Tasmanian harness racing and women’s sport in general:
“Racing has proudly led the way in the area of equal participation by women in sport for a long time. Tasracing was determined to recognise females in harness racing and to celebrate the nation’s talented female champions’. He said.
The Inaugural Female Harness Drivers’ Championships will mark the conclusion of the national Women’s Cancer Foundation Teal Pants awareness campaign which runs from 1st February to 11th March 2018. Female harness drivers around Australia raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer and funds for the Women’s Cancer Foundation, by wearing teal driving pants while racing.
Women’s Cancer Foundation supporter and fundraiser, Duncan McPherson OAM, said: “We are delighted that the inaugural Australian Female Drivers’ Championships will continue the promotion of this extremely worthwhile cause, and that the champion will be crowned on the last day of this year’s Teal Pants campaign.”
HRA CEO Andrew Kelly said granting Tasmania the right to host the first event of this kind recognised the state’s strong harness racing industry, excellent facilities and commitment to promoting female participation:
“Tasmania has proven itself a great host of previous national Drivers Championships, so the opportunity to showcase the state’s strong female participation record and support of the Women’s Cancer Foundation with this inaugural female series was an easy decision.”
Chester Bullock, President of the LPC, said he was looking forward to welcoming participants.
“The LPC can’t wait to throw open our doors to the best female drivers in the country, and to show them, their families and supporters the best that Tasmanian racing has to offer.”
