The dress code was “Relaxed Country” and the marketing called on race-goers to kit up in “Akubras and boots”.

The 2025 Charlton Pacing Cup homed in on all things rural with the theme “We’re All Country” as patrons responded with gusto at last Sunday’s premier meet of the year.

The social opening began at 11 a.m. with the well supported “Bubbles in the Bush” – an initiative which raises funds for research into ovarian cancer and runs in conjunction with Team Teal through the harness racing fraternity. Founded by racing enthusiast, Duncan McPherson, OAM, the cause is a tribute to his wife Lyn who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010. 

The Charlton Harness Racing Club’s original “Bubbles” event was aimed at drawing more women to race day while also using the opportunity to shine a light on women’s health. The club developed a strong partnership with St. John of God Hospital Bendigo (SJOG) and this has continued over the years with representatives attending and sharing outreach and information about the evolution of medical responses to women’s cancer journeys. This year’s guest speaker, Claire Pysing (Nurse Manager – Day Oncology Unit) was once again on hand to share updates with the crowd on a range of developments introduced over the past twelve months.   

Welcome
Before Claire’s address, the morning session was opened by event co-ordinators Leanne Fanning (a cancer survivor herself) and Bec Heenan giving a welcome to all and a recap on the amazing grand total of $50,000 which “Bubbles” has raised since its inception. An emotional Leanne said, “As a survivor I know how incredibly grateful I am, along with the thousands of other women – both young and old – who also benefit from this research.”  

Thanking major sponsor, St. John of God Bendigo, Leanne also acknowledged the many helpers volunteering their time for fund-raising activities on the day. From purchasing tickets for the raffle and the spinning wheel, placing a signature on the silent auction sheets, buying a teal ribbon or placing a bid during the live auction patrons’ generosity was dedicated towards finding answers in the ongoing quest to treat cancer. 

St. John of God, Bendigo
A regular representative of SJOG, Claire Pysing’s address was particularly significant this year, as she herself had undergone treatment (successfully) for breast cancer. Noting SJOG’s affiliation with “Bubbles” since 2018, Claire revealed the statistics for cancer in 2024 came in at almost 170,000 diagnoses, with around 52,700 of these resulting in death. Emphasizing the importance of cancer research, which has improved statistics from 68% to 70% over the past seven years, Claire outlined the facility’s capacity to offer treatments five days a week, and said they were pleased to welcome Dr. Amy Davies, whose experience in treating organ cancers and ongoing academic research was a significant boost to the team. McGrath Breast Care Nurse Consultant, Shanya Beattie was also acknowledged for her supportive and informative work.

The additional implementation of three new services in 2024 included: the “Joy” program, which provides a low-cost option for families to access private maternity care; the Cardiac Assessment Unit, which provides life-saving intervention and care for people who suffer heart conditions or chest pain; and the Wig Library, to help people with cancer.

Claire also acknowledged the Charlton Lions Club which was one of the many donors supporting the purchase of the $2.5 million Da Vinci XI surgical robot which performed its first surgery on March 12.

In concluding her address Claire said “I hope that one day we will find a cure for cancer. It’s events like these that will help us to achieve that goal.”

Rising Star of Harness Racing
An interview with the upcoming female harness racing driver, Abby Sanderson, conducted by Frank McGrath, gave an insight to the background of this young sportswoman, who is now based at Murchison after the family’s move from Charlton. 

Showing a prodigious beginning in this sporting code, nineteen-year-old Abby has already clocked up a win in the $100,000 VHRC Caduceus Club Classic at Melton in 2023, along with being the youngest harness racing driver to win the prestigious $50,000 Mildura Pacing Cup in 2024, after her brother Ryan won the same race the previous year. 

With a life-long love of horses fueling thoughts of an equine-based career, Abby also shared the commitment needed for a normal race day itinerary, which starts early in the morning and often doesn’t finish until late at night if travelling for races. She also acknowledged the vibrant harness racing scene in Charlton. 

A New Initiative
As the morning progressed a replacement for the Fashions on the Field saw the introduction of the “Country Lady of the Day” award.  The inaugural winner, Kristy O’Gorman was announced along with four spot prize winners, including Beck Maddocks (Moyston), Tia Fanning, Marea Judd and Stella Nicholson. Winners of the silent auction were also announced before John Tormey and Kevin Thompson launched into the all-important live auction. With items ranging from a pizza oven through to accommodation packages, vouchers, hair and beauty services, fine dining, sporting experiences and country clothing items, there was plenty to entice the crowd to bid hard and high to 

support the cause. Charlton Harness Racing Club acknowledged the generosity of sponsors and donors for all the items made available for this fundraising effort.

In concluding the morning all attendees were then invited to stand as Bec Heenan and Leanne Fanning read out the following statement: “While the focus of today is about having fun and raising funds, it also provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on how cancer has touched our lives, for the ones who have sadly left us, for the warriors who continue to fight and for the survivors. We now ask you to stand and observe a minute’s silence in their honour.” 

The race day program then unfolded and patrons were able to party on into the evening.