There was a special buzz in the air on Thursday (October 18) as Rideau Carleton Raceway and Casino, future home of Hard Rock, teamed up with the Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support programs through the Pink Power Battle to the Wire event.

The feeling of success was already in the air even before the first race. Local horseman Gary MacDonald, who has been touched by cancer in his family, had put in a tremendous amount of work in organizing this event. After everything was said and done, there was more support for this event than he ever expected.

“We are so grateful that Rideau Carleton Raceway approached us to do this event,” a representative from the Canadian Cancer Society said to horseman John MacMillan.

The bustling night raised approximately $12,000 from the many tickets sold for the Pink Power Battle to the Wire races, as well as from the silent auction and raffles held in the Rideau Carleton’s Clubhouse restaurant.

The night kicked off with four all-women races, with women from all over Ontario making the trek to Ottawa in to take part in this special event. Julie Walker, a driver based close to Hanover Raceway, said “[cancer] has touched my family, and I think that something to do to bring awareness is always worth it.”

One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and breast cancer is the leading cause of death, behind lung cancer, in women. Programs such as the Wheels of Hope, the Cancer Support Line, and various services help patients who cannot get to their treatments and therapies, people who are looking for support from their community and even women in the foster care system due to treatments. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, “money that is raised...goes right back into their community.”

“Everyone I contacted was very excited to come here this evening," said MacDonald in an interview with MacMillan. “They were 100% on board, and next year we may have 14 or 15 women drivers racing for the cause. We are looking forward to tonight being a great night, and next year being a continued success for us.”

A huge thank you goes out to the many sponsors, donors, and organizers for the events that took place last night: Brodeur Sulky and Peppin Harness; G.T. Enterprises; Brooks Feed; JML Tack Shop; CIBC Findlay Creek Banking Centre; Russell Equine; Greenhawk Harness; Scalantes Salon & Barber Shop; Lindsay & Mccaffrey; Emerald Links / Anderson Links / Cloverdale Links; Home Hardware; Canadian Tire; Back on Track Physiotherapy; O’Farrell Financial; National Capital Region Harness Horse Association; and the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino, future home of Hard Rock.

For results from Rideau's Thursday card, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(Rideau)