Marie-Claude Auger stole the spotlight on Harness The Hope Night at The Raceway at Western Fair District, winning the women's driving challenge that opened the card on Friday, Oct. 17.
Auger won four of the five races in the challenge, scoring with Twentyeight Late ($10) for trainer Larry Jewitt, Laser ($5.50) for Cassidy Schneider, Heres The Thing ($7.10) for Kevin Stephens and Music To My Gears ($2.20), Canada's winningest horse this year who earned his 17th victory for Ken Middleton.
Anne Marie Turenne also won a driving challenge race with the Steve Watson-trained Allstar Goldi ($2.20).
The other drivers who participated in the event were Ambyr Campbell, Natasha Day, Maggie Jones, Clare MacDonald, Monica Sutherland and Jessica Turenne.
The event, founded by breast cancer survivor Doreen Dustin and co-organized with her daughters Kristy — also a breast cancer survivor — and Brandy, has become a cherished tradition in London. Over the years, Harness the Hope has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of breast cancer awareness and research.
“The Raceway is incredibly proud to have hosted Harness the Hope for 20 years,” said Amy O’Toole, Manager of Equine Programming at the Raceway. “Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. It’s just amazing what the Dustin family has built — turning this into a signature event that’s now being replicated at racing venues across the country.”
The evening featured a vibrant lineup of activities, beginning with a high-energy performance from the Cutting Edge Cowgirls — a local group of precision riders choreographed to music — that set the tone for the night. Other highlights included Young Guns mini horse races, a silent auction, interactive contests, and grand prize giveaways. Attendees wore pink with pride, celebrating survivors and honoring those affected by breast cancer.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada, with files from Western Fair)