Racing’s pink day comes up roses

IT was a pink day at Elwick racecourse yesterday, with punters turning out for horse racing in support of breast cancer research.

The 10th annual Pink Cup yesterday sought to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The race day lunch started in 2008 and has raised more than $230,000 for the breast cancer research, with about $10,000 brought in by the 500 racegoers yesterday.

The event is popular on the thoroughbred racing calendar, with yesterday’s winner Gee Gees Jet taking home the main prize.

Event volunteer Hannah Williams said she wanted to take part due to her position as a finalist in the Miss Galaxy Australia contest.

“I wanted to show support for a charity I feel a connection to,” Ms Williams said. “My great aunt and great grandmother died from cancer and my dad’s mum also passed due to bowel cancer. The disease changes people.”

Judi Adams, from the foundation’s Hobart volunteer committee, said the event made its mark.

“The crowds certainly came out to support the cause, which was great,” Ms Adams said.

More than 65,000 Australians are living with breast cancer with close to 50 diagnosed each day.

With eight Australian’ dying each day, the aspirational goal of the foundation is to see this figure reduced to zero by 2030.

This month has been dubbed Pinktober by the foundation.

More information is available at pinkribbonbreakfast. gofundraise.com.au.