The Raceway at the Western Fair District will host its ninth annual Harness The Hope Night this Friday with proceeds going to benefit the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.
Harness The Hope has become a staple at the Western Fair District and one of the major events that kicks off each racing season in London. It is the brainchild of Doreen Dustin, wife of local horseman Greg Dustin, who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 24, 2005.
“This is certainly very special to me and it’s hard to believe that it’s been nine years,” she explained. “The reason we’ve continued this each year is because of the tremendous support we’ve received from the industry. And, every year we have women in our industry who are diagnosed and it keeps reminding us of the importance of this cause.”
Dustin chose to team up with the Breast Cancer Society of Canada just two years ago, pointing to that organization’s commitment to helping women who are currently dealing with breast cancer.
“That was very important to me, in addition to the ongoing research that the society is a part of,” she said. “It may sound cliché, but it really comes down to awareness and early detection. If breast cancer is detected early enough there is help out there and it greatly improves that person’s chances of getting through it.”
Western Fair will be decked out in pink once again this Friday and some of the events include a special 50/50 draw and penny auction. Fans who wear pink to the track will also receive a ballot for mystery prize giveaways during the night and local radio station 98.1 FREE FM will be broadcasting live at the event.
As an added attraction, Lindsey Kerr, a regular on the Ontario Racing Under Saddle (RUS) tour will be behind the mic to call the action for one of the 11 races that night. She made her announcing debut recently at Leamington Raceway.
On the wagering side, the early Super Hi-5 in Race 7 on Friday night has a carryover of just over $5,600 and will feature an instant guarantee of $10,000 on the pool. First post for the 11-race program is 7:15 p.m. and there is still limited seating available at the Top of the Fair Dining Room.
Donations for this year’s Harness The Hope Night can be made through the Breast Cancer Society of Canada at (bscs.ca) or can be made by cash or cheque on Friday night at Western Fair.
In addition, Sarah Scott has announced that she has donated 10 pink browbands by SLS Equine and one ‘Harness the Hope’ browband for Friday night’s card of racing at Western Fair.
Scott has told Trot Insider that in place of her absence at Western Fair this Friday, she will be racing Fork in pink at Woodbine this Friday, and donate a portion of his earnings to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Scott has also stated that she has a special guest coming to the racetrack for the very first time, Kimmie Louza, who is a breast cancer survivor.
(With files from Western Fair)