October is, of course, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Yonkers Raceway’s horsemen are once again aiding this worthy cause. They’ve set aside Saturday, Oct. 24th, as the date to promote ”Racing for a Cure.”

With trainer Monica Banca and Kristen (Mrs. Jason) Bartlett acting as “point people,” Yonkers’ trainers and drivers -- along with other prominent members and businesses involved in the harness industry -- are pitching in, in conjunction with the Frisco, TX, based National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Raffles tickets ($20 each, six for $100) have been sold for the past month for a chance to win one of three prizes. The big number is a Gorilla sulky, donated by Chad Foulk, while second- and third-prize winner each take home (or to the barn) a complete Walsh harness set, donated by Barbara Boese. Raffles tickets may be purchased in the Raceway paddock by seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Bartlett or Ms. Banca (checks payable to NBCF).

The evening of the 24th shall see all drivers carrying pink whips, as well as pink blankets given to all the winning horses. The whips were donated by Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine, while the blankets were via contributions by generous standardbred-associated benefactors.

More than three dozen individuals, groups and businesses have joined the fund-raising effort, not counting those who have purchased raffle tickets.

“Both Monica and I have had relatives and close friends diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s a personal mission for us,” Kristen Bartlett said. “Anything we can do to help is worth it. The support from our horse people has been tremendous and we hope Yonkers Raceway’s fans can also assist us.”

Those who wish to purchase raffle tickets but are unable to get to the Raceway paddock, or those requesting additional information are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca ([email protected]) or Mrs. Bartlett ([email protected]).

(with files from Yonkers)