Northfield Park is hosting the 'Pace for the Cure' on Saturday (October 15), part of 'Pinktober,' a month-long effort to raise funds to fight breast cancer at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.

The one-mile dash, which carries a purse of $7,500, is the fifth race on the live card and features all-female drivers to celebrate and help raise money for Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio as part of the Hard Rock Rocksino Pinktober Campaign.

“Northfield Park is committed to playing an active role in the Hard Rock Rocksino’s Pinktober event,” said Brent Reitz, Northfield Park Vice President and General Manager. “The ‘Pace for the Cure’ is a great way to highlight both harness racing and the awareness and support for breast cancer research.”

The race is the centerpiece event of an Oktoberfest Saturday, a night packed with plenty of activities for harness racing fans.

There will be a dice roll for prizes (6-7 p.m.) and a beer slide (7-8 p.m.) with railbirds competing for prizes, as well as a Leinenkugel Stein hoist competition at 9 p.m.

The Lady Luck Clubhouse will offer an Oktoberfest themed buffet from 6-9 p.m. for $14.95. Reservations can be made by calling 330-467-4101.

Fan can also join in the drive to eliminate breast cancer by purchasing raffle tickets ($1 each or five for $3) and depositing their raffle tickets in bags that correspond with their favourite “Pace for the Cure” driver. Tickets from the winning bag will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at Northfield’s promotional table on the first level of the grandstand on Saturday, starting at 5 p.m. and continuing until post time for the fifth race.

In addition, fans can show their support for “The Pace” is to purchase a limited edition commemorative “Pace for the Cure” T-Shirts for only $10.

The monies raised as a result of Pinktober at Northfield will help Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio to provide vital services like free mammograms and clinical breast exams through partnerships with local healthcare facilities; diagnostic services, including ultrasounds, biopsies, and advanced services; and survivor support, including financial, transportation and other services.

Among the participants in this year’s Pace for the Cure is Devan Miller, perhaps the highest winning percentage female driver in the game today.

Miller, winner of the Lady Pace Driving Championship at the historic Delaware County Fair on September 20, has won eight of her 16 drives this year, with three runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds. Miller, 28, of Columbus, has license to be good. She is the daughter of David Miller, perhaps the most accomplished driver to hail from Ohio.

Beaten in a photo finish in the Delaware race was Ulrika Fox, who’ll compete in this year’s Pace for the Cure. Fox has won six of 18 drives this year.

Also set to square off in the Pace for the Cure are local trainer/drivers Rachel Kaneoka and Rosy Weaver, along with Jayne Weller, Jamie Coffy, Casey Wolfe, Christina Evans and Renee Bauslaugh.

Weller is the most accomplished among the drivers. She has registered nearly 200 victories and is the daughter of June Weller, the only female to ever drive in harness racing’s crown jewel, the Little Brown Jug.

Admission and parking are free every day at Northfield Park. First race post time is 6 p.m.

(Northfield Park)