The race day at Wingatui on June 1 will turn pink as the Otago Racing Club seeks to raise funds for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation through a Think Pink race day.
The feature of the day, the ''Oaks'', is the main attraction for the trackwork riders over the next month.
Up to seven amateur or track riders can enter to take on Chris Johnson, the jockey of choice for many Wingatui trainers when they have lined up horses in feature races.
Johnson, who turned 50 last week, has almost 20 group 1 wins to his credit including three on board Final Touch in the last 18 months.
Most recently, he rode Natuzzi to victory at Caulfield on April 12, in the Pink Ribbon Cup. Appropriately enough, he was wearing pink breeches in that victory, as part of the Melbourne Racing Club's breast cancer awareness day.
He intends to wear them in the Breast Cancer Foundation Oaks, and the race is on for the track riders to join him.
Each track rider needs raise a minimum of $300 for the privilege. Proceeds will be given to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation [NZBCF].
The race will be a lined start, rather than out of the barriers, and will be raced over no more than 800m, Otago Racing Club marketing and events manager Charlotte Neilson said.
''We want to raise at least $3000 for the charity out of that race. We'll be targeting the local track riders, ex-jockeys or amateur riders.''
Neilson, who has experience riding trackwork, hopes to raise enough money to take part herself.
The invitational oaks - which has been cleared by stipendiary stewards - will add to a day which already features the Otago Steeplechase and Hurdles, but Neilson hopes to turn the racecourse function rooms pink during the day.
The Tickled Pink cocktail party will be held in the Winning Post lounge throughout the day, and will feature live auctions, raffles and prizes for the best dressed. Tickets for the cocktail party are $60, which includes a $5 donation to the NZBCF.
The day will be hosted by Miss Universe New Zealand placegetter Deborah Lambie.
People interested in sponsoring a rider or buying tickets to the cocktail party can contact the Otago Racing Club for more details.
