Australasian Harness Racing’s Team Teal campaign kicked off on 1 February, and Tasmania’s ambassador Hannah Van Dongen got her first win for the 2026 campaign when Mikiyoursofine ($5) claimed the 2026 Flex Realty Sweepstakes (2180m) in Burnie on Friday night.
The seven-year-old gelding has won four of his past six starts and was confidently driven.
Settling one-out and two-back from a second-row draw, before launching three-wide from the 800m.
Mikiyoursofine went on to score by 1.2m from Jilliby Mendoza ($3.20) with Repetitive ($7) a short-half head away third in a mile rate of 2:04.0s.
“He has been going really well, and he is a tough little horse that has got a little bit of speed about him, but he has improved this time in,” said Van Dongen, who also owns the pacer who is trained by her father, Craig.
“I had a nice run and decided to get going at the 800m, thinking I could be a bit tougher than them, and that’s how it worked out.
“It was good to get my first win for Team Teal this year, and I hope to get a few more wins on board for the cause this year.
“The Harness Racing community gets behind many charities throughout the year, and I’m happy to help where I can. I know the Pacing For Pink campaign isn’t far away as well, and I’m on the lookout for a sponsor for that as well,” said Hannah, who will be wearing the Team Teal driving colours for the promotion period, while all female drivers will be wearing teal-coloured driving trousers.
Tasracing has once again joined the Team Teal campaign to support ovarian and gynaecological cancer research.
Throughout the campaign, Tasracing will donate $200 for every victory recorded by a female trainer or driver in the state ($400 if the horse is trained and driven by female participants). These funds go directly to WomenCan and the ANZGOG’s research and education programs, providing vital support for women’s health initiatives.
The Campaign runs through until 15 March.
