The Ron Sallis stable have long been prominent during the Team Teal campaign, but it was a different McMullen sister who delivered the prize this time around.
The 66-year-old Sallis has booked Narissa Elkins as one of his main drivers over the years and he recalls regularly winning races during the February and March period.
It was Narissa’s sister Dannielle McMullen who handed the Wanora-based Sallis a special ‘Teal’ win on Saturday night with Seaside Glory.
Seaside Glory started short in the market for the annual Team Teal Female Drivers Invitation race and won accordingly with Dannielle in the sulky.
The Sallis barn recorded a quinella in the event as stablemate Fear The Pain ran into second for reinswoman Alanah Richardson.
Experienced horseman Sallis was naturally chuffed with the result.
“I think Team Teal is sensational,” Sallis said.
“I have seen what they do with the fundraising, it is important. I've won a few races over the period in recent years.
“Narissa Elkins, who was McMullen in those days, used to drive for me and she used to get a heap of wins in the Teal pants.
“It's fantastic. It's sensational what they do.”
Seaside Glory and Fear The Pain battled for the lead in the early exchanges before Dannielle took control of the race.
Dannielle and the four-year-old mare were not headed again in the 1660 metre event to score by a touch over four metres.
"I was really happy, she is a nice horse," Dannielle said.
"The way she won, she just cruised along so easy."
Seaside Glory finished second at her two appearances earlier this month and certainly appreciated the drop back to mares' company on Saturday evening.
“I am ecstatic with the result, she's been racing really well without a lot of luck,” Sallis said.
“In her last two starts she was second, so it was just a matter of getting the right run and having a bit of luck.
“She's very, very consistent. She has been fantastic for us; we have had her since she was a yearling.
“She's won all the bonuses, been very consistent and more than paid her way.”
It was an extra special occasion for the Sallis stable on Saturday night.
Firstly, the trainer owns Seaside Glory alongside his wife Stacey.
And, Sallis celebrated a birthday on Saturday evening, reaching 66 years of age.
Leading Brisbane broadcaster Chris Barsby made special mention of Sallis’ birthday in the call.
However, Barsby was cheekily told by members of Sallis’ family and others on track on Saturday evening that the veteran trainer had actually turned 70 years of age.
Sallis took the gag in great humour and joked that while he is 66, some days he most certainly feels 70 years of age.
The Sallis camp was also pleased with the effort of Fear The Pain to finish second as the mare is only a newcomer to the stable after previously racing in New South Wales.
“She goes okay, as well,” Sallis said.
“I'm pleased to have her. I just train her, I don’t own her myself, but I'm glad to have her.”
Queensland’s harness racing industry once again came together to raise funds for ovarian and gynaecological cancer research during the 2026 Team Teal campaign.
The Queensland harness racing industry donated $200 for every race won by a reinswoman in the Sunshine State.
All Queensland reinswomen wear teal pants during the period to raise awareness for the cause.
Following the campaign through February and March, a total of $8,000 was raised for the important cause.
An extra $400 was added to the tally on Saturday evening following Dannielle McMullen’s win in the Team Teal Female Drivers Invitation while Trista Dixon also added a win to the night.
Narissa and Dannielle’s sister Taleah McMullen was the leading driver during the Team Teal period of 2026, landing nine winners.
Taleah McMullen was one of Queensland’s 2026 Team Teal ambassadors and has in recent years also won the Team Teal Drivers Invitation race.
Click here for more information on the 2026 Team Teal campaign.
