Trotter "In the Pink" for Yonkers Raceway's Breast Cancer Awareness Night, Sat., Oct. 24

The trotter Bloomfieldcan’tifly (picture attached) is definitely “In the Pink” in the spirit of Yonkers Raceway’s ”Racing for a Cure” night this Saturday, as the horseman will do their part on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Trainer Monica Banca, co-owner of “Bloomfield,” who is spearheaded the effort with Kristen Bartlett, the wife of leading driver Jason Bartlett, had this equine lady dressed in pink – from head to hooves – to promote the upcoming promotion and fundraising effort at Empire City Casino’s historic half-mile oval.

Yonkers’ trainers and drivers will be joined by other prominent members and businesses in the harness industry to pitch in. The effort is in conjunction with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nationalbreastcancer.org). The North American Amateur Drivers Association has already pledged $3,000, and will present a check on Saturday night.

The evening of the 24th will create awareness with all drivers carrying pink whips; and pink blankets will be presented to the victorious horses of every race. The whips are a generous donation from Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine, and the blankets are the result of equally generous contributions from standardbred-associated benefactors.

Raffle tickets ($20 each, six for $100) have been sold for the past month for a chance to win one of three prizes. First prize is a “Gorilla” sulky, donated by Chad Foulk. Second and third place winners take home (or to the barn) a complete Walsh harness set, donated by Barbara Boese.

Raffles tickets may be purchased in the Raceway paddock by seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Bartlett or Ms. Banca (checks payable to NBCF).

More than three dozen individuals, groups and businesses have joined the fund-raising effort, not counting those who have purchased raffle tickets.

“Both Monica and I have had relatives and close friends diagnosed with breast cancer, so it’s a personal mission for us,” Kristen Bartlett said. “Anything we can do to help is worth it. The support from our horse people has been tremendous and we hope Yonkers Raceway’s fans can also assist us.”

Those who wish to purchase raffle tickets but are unable to get to the Raceway paddock, or those requesting additional information are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca (dokka1909@yahoo.com) or Mrs. Bartlett (kmb1104@hotmail.com).

About NBCF: The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail as a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. NBCF’s home on the web is located at www.nbcf.org

PR Contacts: Cirillo World/John Cirillo, 914-260-7436, johnnycigarpr@aol.com, Diego Isio, diego.cirilloworld@gmail.com; Yonkers Raceway/Frank Drucker, 914-968-4200, fdrucker@yonkersreaceway.com