This Friday night (Oct. 20) marks the 18th annual Harness the Hope Night at The Raceway at Western Fair District in London, Ont. Proceeds from the evening’s fundraising efforts will be donated to Breast Cancer Canada and Pink Pearl Canada, organizations that provide research and support programs for those facing cancer.

All the wonderful things are back this year for Harness the Hope Night, with an intriguing online auction, currently live. The auction items this year include Gold Cup and Saucer 2024 passes, hockey tickets, golf rounds and much more. Another highlight of the night are the six grand door prizes valued at over $1,000 each, including weekend getaways, diamond jewelry and shopping sprees. To view and bid on the auction and purchase tickets, click here.

A Women’s Driving Challenge will take place in races one through six and will feature Marie-Claude Auger, Natasha Day, Marielle Enberg, Pam Forgie, Maggie Jones, Brittany Kennedy, Anita Ouellette and Julie Walker. This challenge is graciously sponsored by Mare Flare Equestrian of Belmont, Ont.

New this year is a “Drive to Win” Virtual Harness Racing experience in the Top of the Fair. For a donation, you can experience a thrill from the driver’s seat, brought to you by Bill Gavin Racing Alliance and sponsored by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association.

The night also holds winner’s circle blanket presentations for every race, the ‘wear pink attire/accessories to win’ promotion, best dressed horse and groom contest sponsored by Wilson’s Tack and McIntosh Pro Line, and Harness The Hope swag tables on site. Any additional donations will be graciously accepted in the grandstand and paddock.

Seats are still available in the dining room for $60 per person for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Email Harnessthehope@yahoo.com for reservations. A portion of the dinner gets donated to Harness the Hope.

The program will also feature one Autumn Series event C for two and three-year-old colts and geldings in race 10.