Harness
Team Teal is back racing for awareness in 2026
Team Teal returns in 2026 as female harness drivers across Australia and New Zealand once again donning teal silks to raise awareness and funds for ovarian and gynaecological cancer research.
In Western Australia, the campaign is set to be felt right through the code from early February, where the first flashes of teal have already appeared on-track.
For many in the harness racing community, Team Teal has become more than a fundraising initiative – it's a visible reminder that the sport can rally around something bigger than results, offering a chance to reflect on an important cause affecting lives of many involved in racing and the broader community.
Prominent WA reinswoman Emily Suvaljko is a Team Teal ambassador again this year alongside Jocelyn Young and Maddison Brown who are also returning to the role again for 2026.
Suvaljko said she is proud to be able to represent the message behind Team Teal and highlighted the impact the industry can have when it unites behind a shared cause.
"It's a really good cause, it means a lot to all of us girl drivers to be able to help raise money and awareness for the people in need," she said.
"There's always a rivalry between drivers but the industry all come together when there is such a good cause like Team Teal, and we all rally together and try to do our best."
Every member of Team Teal that takes to the sulky helps spread a message of awareness. All donations go toward supporting research and improving outcomes for women and families impacted by these cancers.
The campaign is built on compassion, driven by community and powered by the people who live and breathe harness racing every week.
The teal silks are a familiar sight now, but the story behind them is one that still resonates strongly. Team Teal was launched after creator Duncan McPherson OAM lost his wife Lyn to ovarian cancer in 2010.
Lyn had dedicated herself to fundraising during her own cancer battle and after her passing, Duncan continued her work – combining her mission with his passion for harness racing to create a campaign that could mobilise the industry in a powerful, highly visible way.
Racing WA has reinforced its support for Team Teal in 2026 with a $15,000 donation contributing directly to the fundraiser.
Support will also be on full display at Gloucester Park, with a raffle throughout February as well as encouraging a gold coin donation from racegoers on Friday, 27 February, helping raise awareness and funds for the cause.
The Pinjarra Harness Racing Club is also set to celebrate Team Teal on its Cup Day meeting on Monday, March 2. The day will feature a Team Teal race consisting of a female-only event designed to recognise the campaign and the women driving it, while putting the cause front and centre at the clubs premier meeting.
Pinjarra Harness Racing Club General Manager Dale Putland said he was proud the club could play a meaningful part in the campaign.
"It's absolutely critical we all do our part to support important charities and the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club is proud to be able to support such a worthy cause in the initiative," he said.
"We're expecting high-quality racing and strong crowds, increasing exposure for Team Teal and support for our female drivers."
Since its inception, Team Teal has raised more than $3 million through the WomenCan Foundation, and the momentum continues to build each year as more clubs, drivers, trainers and fans find ways to contribute.
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