The experienced noodle ponies have been retired from the Border Ovarian Cancer Awareness Group’s annual Caulfield Cup celebrity race for a new-and-improved breed of thoroughbred.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There will be no room for cheats during Saturday’s race, with all competitors forced to hop to the finishing line – any unsaddled horses will be disqualified.
This is the fourth celebrity race to take place at the Wodonga Turf Club, one of BOCAG’s major fundraisers throughout the year.
President Heather Watts said the new attraction was hoped to increase race time.
“We hope it will slow down the race – usually it’s over within 30 seconds,” she said.
“These pony hop horses are all the rage in America and are used for many events like this.
“I’d seen them on social media last year and couldn’t find where to get them – there was only one company in Brisbane who had them so they’re making their debut in Australia.
“We are also going to hire them out for other events, if any businesses are interested.”
There are still four spots in the race available, and Commercial Club’s Gabby Wilson is hoping to finally taste victory on her third try.
“I nearly won last year, but was pipped at the post,” she said.
“It’s tough using the new horses.”
Mitchell Palmer, representing Jindera Tyre Service and Riverina Boarding Kennels, took the gong in 2016.
About $18,000 was raised for BOCAG, a group dedicated to bolstering research into a cure for the cancer, which kills an Australian woman every 10 hours.
A significant research grant will be presented after Saturday’s race to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre head of the Cancer Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, David Bowtell.
Leading the ovarian cancer program at the Garvan Institute, Dr Bowtell’s research has identified four new molecular sub-types within high-grade serous cancer, the most common type of ovarian cancer, showing these cancers can evolve different mechanisms to defeat chemotherapy.
It was the first time in decades a breakthrough was achieved in understanding how the cancer evades treatment. Anyone interested in filling the final spots in the race should contact Ms Watts on 0401 008 310.
