Racing participants from both Woodbine Mohawk Park along with The Raceway at Western Fair District are stepping up in support of Kristy Dustin.
Kristy, the daughter of longtime horsemen Greg and his wife Doreen Dustin, was diagnosed with breast cancer this past summer and is currently undergoing treatment. The 33-year-old and husband Matt share two young daughters, Abbigael, 9, and Kamryn, 3.
Kristy, along with her mother, began The Raceway’s Harness The Hope in support of breast cancer 13 years ago after Doreen was diagnosed.
Doreen is cancer free, while Kristy begins her own fight.
Kristy has already begun treatment, which will continue for the next six to eight months, followed by another surgery.
Kristy Dustin and family (Image courtesy The Raceway at Western Fair District)
Driver Natasha Day along with trainer Shannon Henry spearheaded the idea of horsepeople stepping up in support.
“Our industry is one of a kind and we always seem to support people in need,” said Henry. “Natasha and I spoke about this idea and thought it would be a great idea to have a night that trainers/driver/owners could donate a portion of their winnings to a great cause.”
Day echoed Henry’s thoughts.
“I mentioned the idea to a few of our drivers at Western Fair and there wasn’t any hesitation. People want to help,” she said. “That snowballed into the Mohawk drivers’ room and the whole idea quickly came to fruition. It’s really great to see the industry coming together.”
On Monday, November 19, both Woodbine Mohawk Park and The Raceway at Western Fair District will host an evening to support Kristy Dustin.
Drivers, trainers and owners on that evening that are willing to donate a portion of their earnings are encouraged to contact Natasha Day and/or Shannon Henry.
“Everyone is encouraged to participate in their own way as well,” Henry said. “We’ve started a conversation on social media and it’s gone viral. We have people participating as far as south Florida. What a wonderful gesture as we begin the holiday season.”
Day will be a special guest with track announcer Shannon ‘Sugar’ Doyle on Tuesday evening at The Raceway. The pre-race show is set to begin at 5:45 p.m.
For more information, please contact Shannon Henry (519-831-6921) or Natasha Day (519-498-3203).
(The Raceway at Western Fair District)