Non Paear winning at Wodonga (Image: Racing Photos)
Pakenham speedster Non Paear will be running for a lot more than just prizemoney when she contests Friday night's penultimate heat of the 55 Second Challenge at The Valley.
As trackside punters and racing.com viewers will see, Chris and Melanie Diplock's mare will carry a special message emblazoned on her hind quarters to raise awareness for the plight of close family friend Janina Kletke.
An elite dressage rider with strong ties to the local racing community, Kletke sustained a serious head injury after she was kicked while rescuing horses from the bushfires in Garfield North last week.
The 35-year-old remains in an induced coma fighting for her life.
Melanie Diplock said he was hopeful the tribute would encourage awareness, support and donations via a Go Fund Me campaign that is raising money for Kletke's medical care.
"Janina is one of my closest friends and has helped us more times than I can count over the years on the farm and personally," Diplock said.
"It's been a very tough time since the accident for those close to her.
"She's a fighter, she's young, she's fit and she will pull through this but she will have a very long and expensive road to recovery when she wakes up."
Non Paear, who was a track and distance winner in December, is rated a $3.40 second elect with Sportsbet for Friday night's race.