Go The Pink Dog! is back!

Cheers of “Go The Pink Dog!” will be heard across Australia during February as greyhound racing’s pink number 8 dog will be racing to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.

Today marks the launch of the second year of Go The Pink Dog! after $51,000 was raised in Victoria last February. And thanks to the racing bodies in New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia joining in the Go The Pink Dog! cause in 2011, this year’s fundraising target is more than $100,000.

Every time a greyhound wearing the pink number 8 rug wins a race during February, $500 will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, helping fund additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia and increase breast awareness in young Australian women.

McGrath Foundation Spokesperson, Tracy Bevan, is looking forward to cheering on the pink dog for the second year in a row.

“In its first year, the Go The Pink Dog! campaign raised an amazing $50,000, which was an incredible result, so to have the pink dog racing for the McGrath Foundation again is very special”, Tracy said.

Greyhound Racing Victoria’s [GRV] Chairman Nick Caley is delighted that Go The Pink Dog! will have a national presence in 2011.

“In the space of one year Go the Pink Dog has become a flagship charitable initiative for GRV and has become the catchcry of our industry. We are very proud to be involved and are thrilled that it has grown beyond Victoria”, Caley said.

Representatives from the racing bodies in New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia are all looking forward to enjoying a pink February.

“Breast Cancer has touched everyone’s life and Greyhound Racing NSW believes the Go The Pink Dog! campaign is the sport’s best way of giving much needed support to the McGrath Foundation”, said Greyhound Racing NSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan Tasmanian greyhound racing’s Marketing and Media Manager, Wendy Kennedy is equally excited.

“The Greyhound Racing community in Tasmania has completely thrown its collective weight behind this most worthwhile fundraising initiative and momentum is really building. As we speak one of our track staff is trying to remove pink paint from his hands!” Wendy said.

The flourishing racing world in Western Australia is also excited about its involvement in Go The Pink Dog!

“Racing and Wagering WA are delighted to help the McGrath Foundation make a difference. Go The Pink Dog! is a wonderful initiative of which we are proud to be a part of”, said RWWA spokesperson, Ben Roberts.

The Go the Pink Dog! website - www.gothepinkdog.com.au – contains images and videos and will be updated each morning during February allowing followers to keep track of the campaign’s climb towards its $100,000 target for 2011.